Enhancing Coordination in Countering Drug Trafficking Workshop

27 June 2024, Islamabad - a workshop titled "Enhancing Coordination in Countering Drug Trafficking" was held, demonstrating a strong commitment to establishing a robust framework for improved cooperation and coordination in addressing the challenges related to drug trafficking. Organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime under the 'National Counter Narcotics Coordination Center' project, the event was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Narcotics Control and the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), with funding from US INL-Pakistan. The workshop brought together 27 participants from various key law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, including Pakistan Customs, Pakistan Coast Guards, Punjab Police, Railway Police, Provincial Excise Departments, Federal Investigation Agency, Financial Monitoring Unit, NADRA, and Pakistan Telecom Agency. 

Opening session began with a welcome note from the Director General of the Anti Narcotics Force, who emphasized the importance of enhanced coordination in combating drug trafficking. UNODC representative and the Director of INL-Pakistan also shared their perspectives, highlighting the critical role of inter-agency collaboration under the National Counter Narcotics Center.

During the workshop an insightful briefing by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was given on the El Paso Intelligence Center, showcasing effective strategies and operations in drug enforcement. A comprehensive presentation was also given by the ANF on the National Counter Narcotics Coordination Center, explaining its concept and functionality.

To understand the existing process of data flows representatives from Pakistan Customs, Punjab Police, and the Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control departments of KPK and Sindh, shared their experiences and best practices in drug interdiction, data recording, sharing mechanisms, data analysis capacity, and case management systems.

On the best practices and case studies, Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) shared their success stories in institutional structure development, data management, and operational effectiveness.

In the last session of the workshop participants involved in a group discussion to develop a draft vision and mission for the center, encouraging active participation and input from all attendees.

In conclusion, all participants agreed to collaborate under this initiative to tackle drug trafficking challenges in Pakistan. The workshop ended with closing remarks by the Director General of the Anti Narcotics Force, who emphasized the importance of establishing the center and its role in combating the illicit drug trade.

 

Media:

https://www.facebook.com/unodc.pakistan/posts/790397739963922?ref=embed_post

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7212353208772395009/

https://x.com/UNODCPakistan/status/1806586872988066241