Suva (Fiji), 26 May 2023 - UNODC's Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC-GMCP) partnered with the US Navy - including the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) – to organize a one-week training in Maritime Crime Scene Management with the Fiji Maritime Police, Fiji Navy, and Fiji Customs Enforcement Division in Suva, Fiji. This training program was specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of maritime law enforcement officers in the Pacific region, who play a crucial role in combating maritime crime and ensuring the safety of their respective exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
Building upon previous virtual trainings conducted in 2021 and 2022, which included participants from Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Samoa, this in-person training marked an important milestone in the efforts to enhance the capacity of Pacific Island Countries to effectively address maritime crime. The aim was to equip law enforcement officers with specialized skills and knowledge related to crime scene safety, processing, management, photography, evidence collection, fingerprint analysis, and tactical verbal communication. To this end, the training concluded with an intensive practical exercise featuring a Mock Crime Scene investigation.
The UNODC GMCP has a longstanding commitment to addressing maritime crime in the Pacific region. In addition to delivering virtual trainings, the program has been actively engaged in research and knowledge sharing initiatives. During the same period, UNODC-GMCP conducted a study on the maritime trafficking of cocaine in the Pacific, which was presented in a briefing to relevant stakeholders. The study's findings shed light on the challenges and trends associated with drug trafficking in the region, allowing for informed decision-making and the development of targeted strategies.
Further emphasizing the importance of collaboration and information sharing, the UNODC GMCP facilitated a side-event at the 64th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in 2021. This event brought together law enforcement agencies from various Pacific Island countries, providing them with a platform to share their experiences and insights regarding drug trafficking in the South Pacific. The participation of these agencies further highlighted their commitment to combating transnational organized crime and fostering regional cooperation.
With the success of the first in-person training in Suva, it is anticipated that similar training programs will be delivered to other Pacific Island Countries in the future. These initiatives will specifically target maritime law enforcement officers responsible for conducting surveillance and crime investigations within and between their respective EEZs. The aim is to ensure that these officers possess the necessary skills and expertise to effectively address maritime threats, safeguard their borders, and collaborate with other transnational crime units in the region.
By strengthening the capacities of maritime law enforcement agencies in the Pacific, UNODC-GMCP, in collaboration with the US Navy, Fiji Maritime Police, Fiji Navy, and Fiji Customs Enforcement Division, aims to create a safer and more secure maritime environment, thereby countering illicit activities such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal/unregulated/unreported fishing. The program's efforts align with the broader objectives of the UNODC to promote the rule of law, protect vulnerable populations, and promote sustainable development in the Pacific region.
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