Photo courtesy of Swedish Customs (Tullverket)
Edition 3 – Customs at the front-line – combatting illicit trade and protecting society
The WCO presents the third edition of our newsletter to share the news, insights and updates that showcase how the WCO brings Customs together for a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world.
In this edition we focus on the role that Customs play in protecting society, facilitating legitimate trade and combatting criminal activity in the supply chain. Every day, at borders around the world, Customs officers stand on the frontline detecting, intercepting, and disrupting the illicit flow of dangerous goods.
In this edition, you’ll find:
- Secretary General, Ian Saunders, highlights how the steady hand of Customs protects society every day.
- The 46th session of the Enforcement Committee advances discussions on innovation and cooperation to combat illicit trade.
- Conversations with Heads of Customs: Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, and WCO Council Chair, shares his views on the balance of trade facilitation and enforcement.
- Dutch Customs showcases their drone program – technology supporting Customs.
Read on to learn more about these stories and other topics!
Happy reading!
A steady hand at the border
“Largely unseen and rarely recognized, Customs officers stand at the frontline between the flow of global commerce and the fight against illicit trade. Our responsibilities require Customs to act and adapt to constant innovation – driven by those looking to better society and those working against it. In a world where attempts to exploit global trade show no sign of abating, that steady, vigilant hand of Customs has never been more indispensable.”
As 34 Customs administrations gathered in Lima, Peru for their annual regional meeting of the Americas and Caribbean, WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders shared his views with Aduana News this week as to why the commitment and vigilance of Customs has never been more essential in the protection of society.
Read the full editorial - A steady hand at the border - why Customs matters more than ever
Also available in French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Annual WCO Enforcement Committee drives cooperation and innovation to tackle illicit trade
Representatives of Customs administrations, Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs) and partner organizations gathered at WCO Headquarters in Brussels from 23 to 26 March 2026 for the 46th Session of the Enforcement Committee.
Established in 1983, the Enforcement Committee is one of the WCO’s key statutory bodies. The session focused on strengthening global cooperation and equipping Customs administrations with modern tools to combat illicit trade and emerging enforcement threats.
The Enforcement Committee reviewed and discussed a range of strategic and operational topics, endorsed new and updated enforcement tools; discussed the impact and use of data and technology as well as joint operations and future guidance for Members and identified evolving risks and practical responses to cross-border crime.
Read more about the discussions and advancements made during the four days in Brussels:
WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and the WCO Council Chairperson, Nigeria Customs Service’s Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, open the 46th session of the Enforcement Committee. Delegates explore and exchange information on various enforcement initiatives and operations and watch a drone demonstration by Dutch Customs.
WCO-led Operations stop crime, identify trends and protect society
Throughout 2025, the WCO led operational exercises with WCO Members and law enforcement to detect, deter and intercept illicit trade to prevent it from reaching consumers or organized criminals. Operations enable the WCO and Members to identify key trends, vulnerabilities and new smuggling techniques, share best practices and risk management techniques using real-time data and intelligence to drive concrete action.
For results and details of recent Operations, click the links below:
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Conversations with Global Customs Leaders
Join the WCO in conversation with Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the current Chairperson of the WCO Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as he shares his thoughts on the important balance for Customs between trade facilitation, enforcement and the need for innovation, sharing of digital data and cooperation amongst all implicated partners to combat illicit trade.
Eyes in the Sky: How Dutch Customs’ Drones Safeguard the Nation
Photo courtesy of Dutch Customs
Since 2020, Dutch Customs has had a drone team consisting of 60 pilots operating in seven different regions across the Netherlands. They conduct surveillance and investigations in major ports and along the coast. They are also able to safely assess a suspicious situation remotely using live footage. This allows Customs officers on the ground to be better prepared for the risks involved in an operation. The Customs drone teams often collaborate with other Customs teams, such as the Customs dive team.
Dutch Customs has a special exemption to fly drones anywhere in the Netherlands, subject to applicable aviation regulations. The pilot controls the drone, the camera operator films with the drone, and the observer monitors whether the drone can fly safely. For example, they must ensure that there are not too many birds, airplanes, helicopters, wind turbines, or tall buildings in the vicinity.
Dutch Customs trains the drone operators to serve as pilots, camera operators, and observers. The drone team has completed more than approximately 1,500 operational flights and approximately 750 training flights and has been involved in more than 500 arrests. Developments regarding fixed-wing drones and autonomous flights using “drones in a box” are being closely monitored and are planned to be added, in the near future, to the Dutch Customs’ toolkit to continue to enhance public safety and security.
The Unmanned Aircraft System organization within Dutch Customs assists multiple government departments internationally in setting up their own aerial operations. The drone team recently demonstrated their capabilities at the WCO’s 46th Enforcement Committee in Brussels showcasing technology and innovation in action.
For WCO Members → Latest updates on the WCO’s CLiKC! e-learning platform
WCO Members are invited to explore the latest additions and updates now available on the WCO CLiKC! e-learning platform and take advantage of these training opportunities to support professional development.
Access a wide range of training courses, including in the field of enforcement. The platform offers a user-friendly interface and a broad range of resources tailored to the needs of the global Customs community.
Latest courses and language updates in enforcement topics
| Course Title |
Field |
Available Languages |
| Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing |
Enforcement |
English (new course) |
| The Chemical Weapons Convention - Customs Course |
Enforcement |
English, Spanish (new language) |
| Risk Management |
Enforcement |
English, French, Russian (new language) |
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🚨 Don’t miss the next WCO Webinar
“Protecting Society: Customs’ Strategic Role in Disrupting Fentanyl Supply Chains”
30 April 2026 | 13:00 to 15:00 (CET)
Registration open to all
Future Webinars in the Series – Mark your Calendars!
- 12 June 2026: “Customs' hidden efforts: Combatting Money Laundering for a Safer Society” (Registration opens 30 April)
- 22 September 2026: Strengthening Supply Chain Integrity
- 29 October 2026: Addressing Environmental Crime
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Borders divide, Customs connects.