In January 2025, within the UNODC Border Management Branch (BMB), the Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) was established through the merger of the UNODC Container Control Programme (CCP), implemented jointly with the World Customs Organization (WCO); and the Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP), implemented jointly with INTERPOL and the WCO.
The Programme’s objective is to improve the capacity of Member States and their law enforcement agencies active at air, sea and land borders, to disrupt illicit flows of containers, cargo and mail, intercept high-risk passengers and identify victims of trafficking, while facilitating legitimate trade and the movement of people.
To achieve this objective, PCCP targets illegal containerized shipments by building risk assessment and inspection capacity through the establishment of specialized Port Control Units (PCUs) and Air Cargo Control Units (ACCUs). These units are populated with officers from customs, national police, as well as other relevant law enforcement agencies, and are well established within the national security architecture. The programme also strengthens the capacities of international airports to target and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo and mail via the establishment of Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces (JAITFs), as well as facilitating communication and coordination between origin, transit and destination countries to disrupt cross-border illicit flows and criminal networks.
Programme activities are implemented in multiple phases, ranging from technical needs assessments to the establishment of units, as well as provision of training (both standard and specialized) and equipment for law enforcement officers. PCCP training goes beyond randomized checks, and promotes seizures and interceptions based on intelligence and developed risk profiles for greater efficiency. These activities have a core focus on strengthening inter-agency and private sector cooperation as well as communication internationally and globally.
To this end, PCCP established an operational and sustainable network of law enforcement cooperation by facilitating communication and coordination among origin, transit, and destination countries to disrupt cross-border illicit flows and criminal networks. Law enforcement officers trained under PCCP become part of an expanding network of trainers and mentors, providing units with access to a broader range of expertise. This approach strengthens links with training institutions, institutionalizes capacity building, and creates a pool of certified trainers available for training and mentoring PCUs as needed. To support these efforts, INTERPOL’s I-24/7 and WCO’s CENcomm systems enable PCCP-supported units to access and exchange real-time information aimed at intercepting high-risk passengers and illicit shipments. These platforms also establish a formal network of national focal points in relevant countries, fostering cooperation and facilitating secure information exchange.
PCCP is currently supporting a network of over 180 PCUs, ACCUs and JAITFs in 87 countries in 10 regions of the globe.
Click here to access the former website of the CCP.
Click here to access the former website of AIRCOP.
