Unidad de CCP inspeccionando un contenedor

Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT)

THE CHALLENGE

For a long time, organized criminal groups have focused on speeding up the transportation of drugs and other illicit goods using ships, containers, and planes. This strategy has enabled them to exploit connectivity and the growth of international trade to conduct their illegal activities.

Despite ongoing efforts, many countries in the region still lack the technical and technological capabilities needed to thoroughly conduct risk profiling, luggage and cargo inspections, or body searches without disrupting the normal operations of ports and airports.

Furthermore, the exchange of information between law enforcement agencies in the countries of origin, transit, and destination remains inadequate and limited. This lack of cooperation hinders the identification and dismantling of criminal networks at the international level, as these groups can exploit differences in law enforcement systems and communication gaps to evade justice.

Unidad de AIRCOP en un taller ofrecido por UNODC

WHAT WE DO

Unidad de CCP con binoculares vigilando barcos de carga

UNODC, in close collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the World Customs Organization (WCO), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), plays a crucial role in activities related to the Passenger and Cargo Control Program.
The goal of this program is to strengthen the capacity of seaports, airports, railway terminals, and land border crossings to detect and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo, and mail by improving risk management, supply chain security, and border management.
These measures are implemented as a vital contribution to the fight against illicit drugs and other prohibited goods, such as weapons trafficking and their essential components, wildlife products, or counterfeit medical products, as well as the profits generated by these activities. The program also aims to address threats related to terrorism, such as arms smuggling or the potential presence of foreign terrorist fighters. Additionally, it targets human trafficking and smuggling, seeking to dismantle the criminal networks operating in these areas.

PCBT focuses on a series of specialized activities to strengthen capabilities in the targeting and profiling of illicit cargo, facilitating legal trade to benefit the economies of the countries in the region.
These activities are carried out in several stages, starting with theoretical training that familiarizes agents with risk analysis techniques, profiling, and target selection.
Once the theoretical knowledge is acquired, agents move on to practical training, where they apply inspection techniques in a professional setting. This stage allows them to put the acquired knowledge into practice and improve their skills in identifying suspicious shipments. Additionally, advanced specialized training programs are offered, tailored to the risk assessments of each country.

Unidad de CCP vigilando contenedores en un puerto

Unidades de CCP realizando el control de una carga en un puerto

Support is also provided for tracing investigations, working closely with international organizations, security agencies, and other relevant actors. Additionally, cooperation with the private sector is encouraged, as their active participation and commitment are crucial for detecting and preventing the transportation of illicit cargo.
Finally, operational support is offered through the implementation of advanced inspection and detection technologies, real-time information sharing, and the strengthening of technical capacities at cargo entry and exit points.
It is important to highlight the active involvement of PCCP in the fight against corruption, particularly in Honduras and Panama, where these countries have assigned permanent experts on the issue who play a crucial role in the prevention and combat of this scourge.
The presence of anti-corruption experts in the region represents a significant step forward in the fight against this phenomenon, enabling greater effectiveness in preventing and combating corruption, and strengthening governance and transparency.

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