Drugs & Precursors Identification Training for ANF & Pakistan Customs Officials 

 

28 July 2016, Islamabad. The UNODC Country Office in Pakistan (UNODC COPAK), in collaboration with the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), successfully concluded a three day training course on 'Drugs and Precursors Identification' at the Anti Narcotics Force Academy, Islamabad.  

On the occasion Mr. Takashi Harada, Counsellor (Economic and Development), Embassy of Japan visited the Academy accompanied by other officers from the Embassy. Dr. Anne Bergenstrom, Officer in Charge UNODC COPAK; Brig Ramadan Gill, Force Commander ANF; and officials from the Anti Narcotics Force, Pakistan Customs, and UNODC were also present.  

This training exercise on drugs and precursors identification was the first milestone achieved under a new project on 'Strengthening Border Security Against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Related Transnational Organized Crime' (2016-2019), recently signed between the Government of Japan and UNODC. The objective of this workshop was to build the capacity of field officers from Pakistan Customs & the Anti-Narcotics Force; and specifically their identification and interdiction of drugs and precursors trafficking. The participants were also briefed on the overall and prevalent drug situation in the region, with special emphasis on the diversion of precursor chemicals. 

In her address Dr. Bergenstrom thanked the Government of Japan for the continued cooperation and support rendered towards the smooth implementation of the Pakistan Country Programme (2010-2016), and ongoing collaboration under the upcoming Country Programme II (2016-2019). 

While addressing the participants, Brig Gill expressed his appreciation for UNODC's and the Government of Japan's continued assistance to the country's law enforcement agencies in combating the trafficking of drugs and precursors to and from Pakistan.  He stated that apart from ANF operational staff, other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) were also acquiring enormous technical advantage owing to the equipment, training on drugs and precursors, and related training courses being organized by UNODC. 

Mr. Takashi Harada said that countering drugs' trafficking was a global challenge, and stated that the Government of Japan stood committed to combating international criminal syndicates, which through their illicit activities hindered the socioeconomic development and prosperity of the Pakistani people. He reaffirmed his country's commitment to assist Pakistan in eradicating all types of transnational organized crime, including illicit drug trafficking. 

A total of 16 officials from Pakistan Customs and the Anti Narcotics Force attended the training course. The participants brought a wealth of experience from their respective fields, which contributed to the richness and delivery of the training, thereby making it both practical and innovative.

UNODC will continue to undertake similar training courses for law enforcement officials in other provinces. This achievement has been made possible by the generous support of the Government of Japan to UNODC COPAK.