Today, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and World Customs Organization (WCO) released the 2023 Annual Report of Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP) and Container Control Programme (CCP).
The objective of these initiatives is to support countries in preventing the exploitation of flows of passengers, cargo and mail by traffickers, by establishing frontline enforcement units bringing together officers from various national enforcement bodies, providing them with specialized knowledge and skills, and fostering cooperation at the national and international level, including through the use of a secure communication tool.
The Annual Report presents key activities conducted by the Programmes in 2023, alongside the seizures made by units supported in the various countries. [Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces (JAITF) supported by AIRCOP, as well as Port Control Units (PCUs) and Air Cargo Control Units (ACCUs) supported by CCP]. The seizures cover a wide variety of commodities, notably cigarettes, cocaine, flora and fauna, hazardous waste, medicine, strategic goods, weapons and explosives. The units also detected attempts at revenue evasion. These outcomes translate into a positive impact in terms of improving the security, health, and economies of countries and people around the world.
Mr. Alan Cole, Chief of the UNODC’s Border Management Branch and Mr. Pranab Kumar Das, Director of Compliance and Facilitation at the WCO, highlighted this impact, stating that “in 2023, the Customs and law enforcement units established under the Programmes at ports of entry continued their important work to profile, inspect, arrest, and seize high-risk passengers and cargo. In countries where the units are an integral part of the national law enforcement system and offer additional support to established law enforcement infrastructure, they play a central role in protecting national economies and societies and contribute to overall international safety and stability”.
AIRCOP and CCP are made possible through the partnership between the UNODC and the WCO, and the cooperation with INTERPOL and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Other UN agencies and international organizations, as well as private sector entities and academia are also key stakeholders, which contribute to ensuring that the Programmes can deliver on their mandate. The UNODC and the WCO are grateful to the 86 countries that participate in the Programmes as well as to those that provide support - whether financial or in-kind.
Access the full report here.