Maputo (Mozambique), 17 September 2024 – The Supreme Court of Mozambique, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the financial support from the Kingdom of Norway and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States of America, organized the second national seminar on criminal jurisdiction.
Held between 16 to 17 September 2024 in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, the event built upon discussions held during the first seminar, held in Chimoio in May 2024.
This critical gathering served as a platform to strengthen the judiciary’s role in combating drug trafficking in Mozambique and enhance the sector’s effectiveness in tackling the phenomenon, a pressing issue in the country.
The attendance of Mozambique’s Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, Adelino Muchanga, at the seminar’s opening ceremony, underscores the high-level commitment to address drug trafficking through judicial means.
Unveiling alarming data on drug seizures in 2024, with special focus on cocaine and heroin, Muchanga highlighted the country's growing role as a drug trafficking route in his opening remarks.
The Head of UNODC’s Programme Office in Mozambique, Antonio De Vivo, explained in his remarks that “due to its strategic location, Mozambique has become a transit point for drugs such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines,” evidenced by a rise in drug seizures.
Chief Justice Muchanga also warned about the link between drug trafficking and terrorism in the country. Its northern province of Cabo Delgado been affected by insurgent activity since 2017.
He also warned of the negative effects on vulnerable populations. “It is indeed the most vulnerable, namely the youngest and most disadvantaged sections of the population, who suffer the consequences of international drug trafficking.”
“Drugs destroy families, destroy dreams, destroy careers, negatively affect the potential development and innovation of our youth and ultimately undermine the country's development prospects,” said Chief Justice Muchanga.
“If we don't protect our country, our children, we will be moving towards a country overrun by organized crime,” he warned.
Muchanga called on magistrates to strengthen efforts in the fight against organized crime.
Throughout the two-day seminar, district and provincial judicial magistrates analyzed and discussed strategic approaches to combating drug trafficking, including policy revision and strengthening and the use of coercive measures upon the arrest of suspects.
During the seminar, UNODC shared its expertise on effectively managing assets seized from drug-related crimes. Managing and disposing of such assets is a key step in fully dismantling criminal organizations and preventing them from profiting from their illicit activities.
Magistrates also exchanged insights and best practices on handling complex cases involving drug seizures and arrests.
The Head of UNODC in Mozambique underscored the importance of the justice system in combating this scourge, outlining three critical areas for strengthening the work of the judiciary: continuous training of members of the judiciary; international cooperation, key to dismantling criminal networks; and the protection of human rights, balancing the repression of trafficking with the rehabilitation of consumers.
“The future of the fight against drug trafficking depends on integrated and coordinated efforts from all parts of the criminal justice system,” said De Vivo.
“UNODC reaffirms its commitment to continue working with Mozambique in the fight against drug trafficking, providing technical support, capacity building and legal assistance to tackle this global scourge,” he added.
As Mozambique continues to confront challenges posed by drug trafficking, initiatives like this seminar are essential in building a robust judicial response.
The knowledge shared and strategies developed during this seminar will contribute to strengthening the rule of law and enhancing the country’s capacity to combat organized crime.
This seminar was made possible through the support of the Kingdom of Norway and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States of America.