In the framework of the UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme, officers of the Joint Port Control Unit of Durres/Albania met with representatives of the Agenzia delle Dogane and the Guardia di Finanza in the Italian port of Gioia Tauro from 26 to 28 November 2014.

The Albanian Customs and Police officers were accompanied by two prosecutors of the Serious Crime Prosecution office from Tirana and discussed issues to intensify the cooperation between the two countries to tackle illicit trade, in particular the smuggling of cocaine from South America. The port of Gioia Tauro is one of the major transshipment hubs for container traffic in the Mediterranean Sea and has direct shipping services to the port of Durres in Albania.

The officials were warmly welcomed by the Italian Customs and Guardia di Finanza; it was agreed to intensify the exchange of information as well as to enhance operational cooperation, also in the form of “Controlled Deliveries”. A return visit was tentatively planned for 2015.

The Study Visit, facilitated via WCO and UNODC, fully met the objectives of the Container Control Programme to strengthen inter-agency and international cooperation in the fight against illicit goods along the maritime trade supply chain. The participation of the prosecutors added to the professional approach of Albania and Italy in tackling organized crime.