DUBAI: In collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Criminal Information Centre to Combat Drugs, Dubai Police, and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) organised a regional workshop on the ‘Prevention and Interdiction of Synthetic Opioids and NPS through Sea Freights’.
The workshop brought together 100 specialists from 30 security and policing agencies worldwide.
The three-day workshop was attended by Fumio ITO, Project Manager of the INCB; Judge Dr. Hatem Ali, Regional Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the GCC, Brigadier Khalid bin Muwaiza, Deputy Director of the General Department for Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police, and Al Hadi Majdoub, Adviser to Naif Arab University for Security Sciences.
The workshop is part of a collaboration between security institutions and international organisations combating drug trafficking. Its main objective is to enhance and refine the skills of personnel in Gulf and Arab dr
ug enforcement agencies by leveraging global expertise and promoting information sharing in this domain. Additionally, the workshop established effective communication channels between drug enforcement agencies and shipping companies, fostering a proactive approach to counter drug smuggling.
Throughout the three-day workshop, various topics were covered, encompassing areas such as new psychoactive substances, the INCB’s implementation projects, public-private partnerships in drug control, the global programme for the swift prohibition of hazardous substances, and measures to prevent the misuse of legitimate shipping and logistics services.
Furthermore, the workshop explored the significance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the valuable insights and lessons from such cooperation. Various presentations were delivered by governments, international organisations, and private sector partners, focusing on combating drug crimes. On the third day, the discussions centred on ‘Facilitating Cooper
ation in Investigations with the Presence of Government Experts’.
Major General Eid Mohammed Thani Hareb, Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police, emphasised that the organisation of the regional workshop by Dubai Police demonstrates the force’s strong commitment under the directives of Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and follow up of Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commandant for Criminal Investigation Affairs, to enhance international collaboration in combating drug abuse. He highlighted that the workshop serves as a platform for global experts to address the pressing issue of drugs, which holds paramount importance for all segments of society, particularly in safeguarding future generations.
Meanwhile, Brig. Bin Muwaiza stressed the outstanding Emirati role in combating drugs and psychoactive substances, both domestically and internationally, highlighting that the UAE’s efforts are globally renowned
for their effectiveness in apprehending members of criminal networks and achieving significant drug seizures. He continued, “These diligent efforts have played a crucial role in preventing drugs from infiltrating communities and safeguarding families from their detrimental impacts.”
Brig. Muwaiza further spoke of the integrated approach of Dubai Police working collaboratively with police agencies at national and international levels to enhance efforts in identifying and apprehending organised gangs that facilitate the cross-border spread of illicit substances. He highlighted that the workshop is a valuable platform to reinforce cooperation in this critical area.
The following are the most prominent recommendations of the workshop that participants unanimously agreed to:
– Significance of Ongoing Cooperation: Stressing the need for ongoing cooperation between the International Drug Control Board, governments, relevant international organisations, and industry partners. This includes exchanging standardised
procedures, promoting best practices, and providing pertinent guidelines for the sea freight industry. Collaborative efforts are crucial in combating the misuse of legitimate shipping services by illicit traders involved in hazardous substances while also supporting sea freight service providers and relevant government authorities in preventing the abuse of legitimate business services.
– Need for Collaboration: Highlighting the importance of collaboration between governments, relevant international organisations, and private sector partners. This collaboration involves the development and sharing of updated information on hazardous materials trafficking, including the identification of new substances, collaborative operational approaches, and consideration of interconnected risk factors. By working together, timely and essential measures can be taken to address sea freights suspected of carrying hazardous materials.
– Dissemination of Information: Stressing the significance of governments and international
organisations disseminating the International Drug Control Board’s lists to sea freight service providers and relevant entities involved in drug-related substances. This is particularly important as these substances are utilised in various legitimate industries that could be vulnerable to exploitation or misuse.
– Establishing Relationships: Recognising the significance of governments and international organisations establishing relationships with sea freight service providers and designating relevant contact points. This facilitates timely communication and enhances the exchange of pertinent information, effectively preventing the trafficking of hazardous materials through sea freighting.
– Encouragement of Closer Collaboration: Encouraging governments to foster closer collaboration between sea freight service providers and relevant government authorities through information exchange, awareness campaigns, joint patrols, and seaport inspection operations. These measures aim to establish effective regulatory
controls as preventive measures, mitigating the risk of exploitation.
Source: Emirates News Agency