Drug trafficking has a huge impact on the health and safety, security and economic development of States. It is closely linked to other illegal activities, and its proceeds are used by organized criminal groups and terrorists.
The challenge faced by Customs and its partner agencies is very serious. Drug markets are continually expanding, the routes and modi operandi used by the drug trade are constantly changing and, over recent years, in addition to ‘classic’ drugs such as opiates, cocaine and cannabis, the significant upsurge in the new psychotropic substances (NPS) has attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) worldwide.
The WCO Illicit Trade Report provides an analysis of trends and patterns analysis in this domain on an annual basis.
In this context, the WCO Drugs and Precursors Programme aims to assist Customs administrations in combating global illegal trade covering the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances subject to restrictions and prohibitions. The Programme consists of several major projects and activities:
In addition to programmes and projects aimed at improving Customs controls on sensitive modes of transport such as containers, air cargo, high-risk air passengers and general aviation, the WCO supports the activities of Customs canine teams around the world. The detection scope of Customs canine teams has gradually expanded to other areas such as anti-terrorism, including the detection of weapons and explosives, and combating trafficking in currency, counterfeit products, cigarettes and even pharmaceuticals and species protected under the CITES Convention.
Dog teams are now a key element of the global risk management programmes established by Customs administrations.
Furthermore, the WCO Drugs and Precursors Programme assists WCO Members by providing training for Customs officers. This training usually takes place prior to international operations coordinated by the WCO Secretariat. Trainees study the latest risk management techniques, concealment methods and previously detected drug routes; they also learn to use the WCO’s CENcomm and other tools and instruments. In addition, the WCO’s Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs) play a key role in supporting these capacity building and operational activities. Furthermore, throughout the past decade the WCO has repeatedly offered its facilities at its Brussels-based Headquarters in Brussels to host Operational Coordination Units (OCUs). In fact, effective OCUs have proven to be a prerequisite for successful operations.
Additionally, international and inter-agency cooperation and coordination are key elements in rising to the challenges of organized crime and the WCO is on the frontline of this battle. The Drugs and Precursors Programme also works towards building new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. It welcomes innovation and new technologies as means of more effectively and efficiently combating illicit trafficking, and drug trafficking in particular.