The UNODC-WCO Global Container Control Programme enhances the knowledge of members of Port Control Units in Uzbekistan

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Central Asia organized a specialized in-person training from 30 March to 01 April 2022 on the use of handheld TruNarc Raman Field Identification Device for Seized Materials, Drugs, and Precursors within the framework of the UNODC–World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Container Control Programme (CCP). The training was organized jointly with the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Service (LSS) at the UNODC Headquarters in Vienna, Austria for three members of Port Control Units (PCUs) deployed at Tekhkontora Chukursay, Alat, and Yallama Customs posts, as well as two CCP National Focal Points (NFPs) from the National Information-Analytical Center on Drug Control under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NCDC) and the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan (SCC). 

The training, held by the UNODC Lab experts was aimed at enhancing a theoretical knowledge and practical skills of PCU members in applying the TruNarc portable drug analyzers in their daily work. The above-mentioned analyzers were delivered to them in December 2021 by CCP. This learning process allowed the participants to sustain their expertise and provided an opportunity to further enhance their performance in both detecting and identifying illegal substances and facilitate the import-export clearance procedures. This aspect builds a cornerstone of the Global Container Control Programme’s strategic approach.

The topics on new psychoactive substances (NPS), International Collaborative Exercise (ICE), SMART Programme, UNODC Forensics Programme, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) delivered by LSS experts have been an additional value for the participants in terms of broadening their vision and raising awareness on the initiatives  UNODC is engaged in globally along with the crucial role the Organization plays in assisting the Member States to address the topical challenges the Governments face in ensuring drug and precursor control and countering their illicit trade.

The participants expressed their appreciation to UNODC for the longstanding support provided within the framework of CCP in terms of helping to improve the capacities of frontline Customs officers on preventing and suppressing the illegal cargo movements, facilitating regional practical cooperation and information exchange mechanisms and practices, including through specialized training activities.

The CCP Regional Segment for Central Asia is funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Programme.