On 8 February 2022, UNODC GFP has started a series of four trainings in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on analysis of x-ray images for detection of illicit trafficking and illicit manufacturing of firearms, their parts, components and ammunition. The target audience is small groups of x-ray scanner operators from BiH Customs and the three public postal service providers in BiH (JP BH Posta, Hrvatska posta Mostar and Poste Srpske a.d. Banja Luka). Eight customs officers working at Sarajevo Airport and members of the mobile teams responsible for screening of incoming and outgoing parcels and controlling private courier companies attended the training.
The objective of the training is to develop knowledge on the interpretation of x-ray images to identify illicit objects in fast and postal parcels. UNODC GFP has also used in the training a specialized computer-based module on identification of threats in postal and fast parcels. The module allows operators in the course of one year to train regularly and improve their skills in the identification of illicit threats.
The innovative part of the training was the inclusion of the topic on countering of illicit manufacturing of ammunition. UNODC GFP has presented to the trainees the modus operandi for trafficking of machines for ammunition production and the tools required for production of ammunition. Countering this criminal activity is extremely difficult because of the objects used for ammunition production, which cannot be distinguished from other machinery and tools. Their identification requires specific training on their shape and functions. UNODC’s collection of images on this topic and its inclusion as part of the training course has provided added value towards improving the skills of the operators to prevent this crime.
Substantial part of the training was devoted to the identification of weapons parts such as barrels, slides, magazines, scopes and firearms frames. These objects are very difficult to identify without specific training on recognizing their shape, composition, and analysis of x-ray images under different angles.
All images used in this news item are under © United Nations, 2022. All rights reserved. Requests for their use should be directed to UNODC GFP.
This activity is implemented with the financial support provided by Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and Norway through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Trust Fund and supported by the European Union.
