The UNODC Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) officially launched its 2025 Annual Report, Enhancing Global Connectivity through Secure Borders, on 10 March during the 69th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) taking place in Vienna, Austria.
The CND side event was opened by Ms. Siri Bjune, Chief of the UNODC Border Management Branch, who highlighted how “These 2025 key achievements reflect above all the dedication and professionalism of our national partners and their law enforcement agencies, who remain the first and most important actors in this fight.”
In 2025, the Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP) and the Container Control Programme (CCP) have officially merged into PCCP, creating a unified framework to intercept illicit commodities and high-risk passengers across sea, air and land borders. PCCP expanded its global network further, now covering 197 national inter-agncy units in 94 countries along key trafficking routes in 10 regions. In 2025, these inter-agency units have made almost 5000 seizures globally, a rise in 83% compared to the previous year. Additionally, almost 700 high-risk passengers have been intercepted, an increase of 19% compared to 2024, contributing to the fight against terrorism.
“The Programme also expanded its activities in fragile and conflict-affected settings, strengthened responses to emerging threats, including synthetic drugs, strategic trade risks, CBRNE trafficking, environmental crime, and other transnational crimes, and deepened cooperation with private sector partners.” stated Cristina Iampieri, Head of PCCP.
These achievements would not have been possible without PCCP key implementing parters, such as WCO, INTERPOL and ICAO, as well as the commitment of national counterparts and the generous support of 45 countries providing financial and in-kind contributions. WCO and INTERPOL, along with the Government of Colombia, participated during the launch event emphasizing that these results demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime.
“Coordination and collaboration are essential in the fight against organized crime,” the Colombian Deputy Minister of Defence, H.E. Mr. Javier Andrés Baquero Maldonado, noted. “Criminal networks operate across borders, and our response must also be a network.”
INTERPOL emphasized the organization’s long-standing partnership with PCCP, noting that intelligence-led actions and secure information exchange are central to tackling transnational criminal networks. Through systems such as INTERPOL’s I-24/7 and the deployment of analysts supporting frontline units, INTERPOL continues to help connect inter-agency units to a global law enforcement information network. The World Customs Organization highlighted that while evolving supply chains create opportunities for economic growth, they are also exploited by criminal organizations, underscoring the importance of strengthening supply chain security while facilitating legitimate trade. WCO further emphasized that capacity-building for customs authorities remains a cornerstone of its contribution to PCCP and to strengthening border security worldwide.
Captain Julián Chaparro of the Colombian Navy concluded: “The value of the PCCP does not only lie in seizures, but in building capacities through a global network, fostering international collaboration and strengthening the security of the supply chain. We believe that the combat against organized crime is a shared responsibility of the international community.”
Access the full report here.
The Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP), implemented in cooperation with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and INTERPOL, strengthens border security while promoting legitimate trade by supporting the creation and operationalization of inter-agency units at strategic ports, airports and land borders. With 196 units established in 94 countries, PCCP enhances the ability of frontline officers to detect illicit goods through targeted training, technical assistance and provision of specialized equipment.
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