Empowering Air Cargo Security: UNODC Passenger and Cargo Border Team Strengthens Capacities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

On 6-10 November 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) jointly with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have successfully conducted the air cargo and mail security training within the Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT) through AIRCOP/CCP at the ICAO Civil Aviation Training Center of Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The training focused on strengthening the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of 12 counternarcotics officers and aviation security representatives, including the members of the Air Cargo Control Units (ACCUs) of Almaty and Tashkent international airports on detection and inspection of high-risk commodities in air cargo environment by applying modern customs control techniques and systems and learning best working practices of Korean Customs and aviation authorities in effective air connectivity management.

The training also contributed to strengthening the regional practical cooperation between ACCUs of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, including information exchange on high-risk consignments within the CCP Inter-Regional Network of Customs Authorities and Port Control Units (IREN).

Welcoming the training participants, Mr. Mun-Hwan Kim, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Training Center of Korea Airports Corporation (ASTC), stressed the importance of the safeguard and safety of aircraft and passengers. The cargo security issues are growing significantly worldwide and linking national aviation communities at the global level to prevent drug trafficking, corruption, terrorism, and suppress cross-border criminal networks in the air environment.

Steve Wordsworth and Mr. Hong-Chan Jin, experienced ICAO experts, explained to participants the threat detection techniques, specific risks ranking at global perspective, security control and screening measures for cargo and mail handling and emphasized the importance of risk-based approach in countries’ reporting and information sharing. Trainers described the roles and responsibilities of competent national authorities and stakeholders to meet ICAO’s oversight, compliance, and control requirements. Participants learned about the ICAO facility and personnel security measures, procedures at international and national levels, as well as the purposes and key components of the secure air cargo supply chain to protect air cargo and mail from unauthorized interference. They practiced recognizing and classifying restricted items, prohibited and dangerous goods in air cargo operations.

The sessions were consolidated through progress tests and practical exercises to detect potential threats when handling cargo consignments and mail. Participants visited the cargo facilities center of Korean Air Company at Incheon cargo terminal and warehouse and got acquainted with structure, cargo traffic volumes, and screening procedures of air consignments. Participants have successfully passed final tests were awarded course completion certificates.    

The PCBT/CCP Regional Segment for Central Asia is funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Programme, and the Government of France.

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For more information contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)

Communications and PR Specialist at 

UNODC criminal justice programme in Central Asia 

UNODC POKYR 

+996775987817 WhatsApp 

vasilina.brazhko[at]un.org