WCO and UNODC conducted the first Theoretical Training seminar on risk profiling in containerized trade in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 2 to 6 February 2015, in the framework of the UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme.

The training aims to strengthen knowledge and skills of Customs officers on "profiling" of container movements and the use of modern methods and techniques of Customs control, including the secured communication system "ContainerComm".

Twenty-seven officers from the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, its Central Apparatus, regional Customs Houses and the Higher Customs Military Institute participated in the event which was hosted at the Higher Customs Military Institute in Tashkent.

During opening ceremony, Mr. Saidodil Gulyamov, Deputy Chief of the Higher Customs Military Institute, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of the Container Control Programme (CCP) in tackling illicit drug trafficking and other contraband in the region.

Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, stressed that CCP is uniquely placed to assist Governments to create sustainable enforcement structures in selected sea and dry ports in order to minimize the risk of shipping containers being exploited for illicit drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and other forms of black market activity.

Ms. Gulfiya Habiyeva, Chief of Department on International Customs Cooperation of the State Customs Committee expressed her agency's support to CCP implementation in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has joined the CCP Programme in December 2013.