UNODC response to illicit drug trafficking within the framework of the Regional Programme for East Asia and the Pacific
The 2009-2014 Regional Programme for East Asia and the Pacific covers UNODC work in the region in the 34 countries and territories across East Asia. The Regional Programme supports two broad thematic areas - Rule of Law (illicit trafficking, governance, and criminal justice issues), and Health and Development, comprising drug demand reduction, HIV/AIDS, and sustainable livelihood issues. The integrated approach of the Regional Programme encompasses UNODC's responses to illicit trafficking in the region, including drug trafficking.
Drug trafficking, among other drug-related issues, has grown in recent years, a trend which will continue in the absence of resources needed for UNODC to help Governments in the region give priority to finding effective interventions. In a region experiencing economic expansion, law enforcement authorities, in spite of improved cross-border coordination and cooperation, have generally lagged behind organized criminal groups that relentlessly traffic drugs, such as amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) across borders in the region. UNODC has used its Global Synthetics Monitoring: Analysis, Reporting and Trends (SMART) Programme to work with Governments to develop assess and report data and information on synthetic drugs, enabling countries to plan prevention and effective law enforcement responses.
The Regional Programme therefore calls attention to increasing institutional capability for law enforcement agencies both within and across borders in order to better respond to transnational drug trafficking and other crimes through capacity building of institutional actors, promoting cooperation and aligning domestic legislation with international instruments.
UNODC response to illicit drug trafficking, regional initiatives
The project "Consolidation and Enhancement of the Border Liaison Office Mechanism (BLO) in East Asia" aims to increase institutional capacity within the region to combat the trafficking of drugs and chemicals used in the manufacture of illicit drugs (precursors). Traffickers transport drugs to the consumers using those routes where they believe the least risk of detection exists. This translates into the locations where law enforcement is either weak, compromised or cooperation is minimal. Thus, improving the capability of law enforcement institutions throughout the region to interdict the flow of illicit drugs will help halt the transport of illicit drugs in the region.
"Support to Improved Security by Provision of Capacity Building to the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC)" aims to improve the capacity of the Indonesian National Police (INP) in combating organized crime, including drug trafficking. The INP is the front line agency responsible for combating transnational crime. Thus, addressing its deficiencies is arguably the most pertinent strategy for improving the Indonesian ability to counter drug trafficking. UNODC's Computer Based Training on issues such as anti-narcotics is being used by law enforcement to improve their technical knowledge in tackling the drug trafficking threat.
UNODC response to illicit drug trafficking, Country Programmes
There are presently no operational Country Programmes for this region. However, an Integrated Country Programme for Indonesia is currently under development, due for completion by the mid 2011. Similar Integrated Country Programmes for Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand are being planned, the first step being consultations with the various Governments on their needs and scope of future engagements. Design and development of these Programmes are set for completion by the end of 2011.