UNODC and Türkiye Strengthen Cooperation in Border Security and Combating Transnational Organized Crime

Ankara, Türkiye - 27 June 2024

<p style="text-align: justify;">UNODC Delegation's visit to the Directorate General of Customs Enforcement under the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye in Ankara, 27 June 2024.</p>
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UNODC Delegation's visit to the Directorate General of Customs Enforcement under the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye in Ankara, 27 June 2024.

Mrs. Cristina Iampieri, the newly appointed Head of the Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT) at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), visited the Directorate General of Customs Enforcement (DGCE) under the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye. This visit marked a significant step in reaffirming the cooperation between UNODC and Türkiye in enhancing border security and combating transnational organized crime.

During her visit, Mrs. Iampieri, accompanied by a delegation from the PCBT, engaged in productive discussions with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye and the DGCE. The delegation also visited key national facilities, including the Command-and-Control Centre and the Dog Training Centre, which are key institutions in Türkiye’s customs enforcement operations.

The meeting underscored the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing transnational organized crime, particularly narcotic trafficking. Both parties highlighted the crucial role of joint activities with the Government of Türkiye in enhancing the operational capacities of countries in the region. The Turkish DGCE, with its robust technical, human and operational resources, is well-positioned to spearhead and strengthen regional cooperation efforts in the fight against illicit trafficking.

<p style="text-align: justify;">A plaque is presented to Cristina Iampieri, Head of PCBT, by Recep Koşal, Director General of Customs Enforcement, 27 June 2024.</p>

A plaque is presented to Cristina Iampieri, Head of PCBT, by Recep Koşal, Director General of Customs Enforcement, 27 June 2024.

UNODC has a longstanding and fruitful partnership with the Republic of Türkiye. With the establishment of UNODC Regional Office for Southeastern Europe (ROSEE) in Istanbul and the relocation of the headquarters of UNODC PCBT programme, UNODC recognises the strategic role of Türkiye in addressing global problems related to organised crime, particularly illicit cross-border activities. Türkiye's strategic location, high-level technical expertise and strong partnership with the UN make it a key partner in UNODC efforts in the region.

The country has been an invaluable host to numerous UNODC PCBT initiatives, including hosting exchange visits to key transit points such as airports and seaports, as well as national targeting centers in the country. Furthermore, Türkiye has provided national experts for PCBT training sessions and meetings, and has hosted significant international events, thereby significantly contributing to capacity-building activities and the strengthening border controls in the region and beyond.

The ongoing partnership between UNODC and Türkiye is an example of how international cooperation can effectively address the complex challenges posed by transnational crime. By working together, we can build stronger, more secure borders and contribute to regional and global security. The visit and the discussions held reaffirm the commitment of both UNODC and Türkiye to continue their collaborative efforts, ensuring that border management practices evolve to meet emerging threats and challenges.

Further information

UNODC Regional Office for Southeastern Europe (ROSEE), located in Turkiye, provides strategic support and high-level technical expertise on drugs, crime, corruption, criminal justice and terrorism, to partner with countries and jurisdictions across South-Eastern Europe.

Learn more about ROSEE: @UNODC_ROSEE

UNODC’s Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT), established in May 2023, implements jointly with the World Customs Organization (WCO) the Container Control Programme (CCP) and with INTERPOL and the WCO the Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP).

The mission of the CCP is to build capacity in countries seeking to improve risk management, supply chain security, and trade facilitation in seaports, airports and land border crossings in order to prevent the cross-border movement of illicit goods.

AIRCOP aims at strengthening the capacities of international airports to target and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo and mail, as a contribution to the fight against illicit drugs and other illicit commodities, terrorism-related threats, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

Learn more about PCBT: CCP and AIRCOP

Follow us on X: @UNODC_WCO_CCP and AIRCOP_UNODC