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Awareness-raising workshop for communications professionals on the proper handling of information and care in the event of exposure to substances and chemical precursors seized in Guatemala

Guatemala, May 12, 2023. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through the Regional Program for the Safe Management and Disposal of Seized Drugs and Chemical Precursors (STAND) conducted a training for the proper handling of information, scene security and media awareness, aimed at 20 communications officers of security and justice institutions in Guatemala related to the processes of seizure of precursors and chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs.

The objective of the workshop was to improve information management, provide tools and promote awareness of the dangers associated with seizures of illicit drugs, precursors and chemical substances.

The management of information in the seizure of illicit drugs, precursors and chemical substances is crucial for security and justice institutions, therefore, communicators are usually in the front line of attention in these situations that can generate a negative impact on society if institutional communication is not timely. In this sense, the proper handling of information can be crucial to prevent reputational damage and maintain public confidence in the institutions, which can even lead to legal implications.

In this sense, UNODC conducted a training session for social communication officials of institutions involved in such processes that allow to conceive the importance of the ratification of scientific information before being provided to the media, ensuring a solid reputation of security and justice institutions and strengthen public confidence in the ability of the system to prevent, investigate and prosecute such crimes.

These actions are carried out thanks to the financial support of the U.S. Government through the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL).