India: UNODC Collaborates with Government of India’s ITEC Mechanism to Strengthen Drug Law Enforcement in South-South Capacity Building

Faridabad, India/21 July 2023: Under the Ministry of External Affairs' Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) mechanism, a five-day training on drug law enforcement was conducted for senior officials from 7 countries.

This dynamic program brought together senior officials from Antigua and Barbuda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Bhutan, Maldives, Seychelles, and the Kingdom of Eswatini at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) in Faridabad.

Delivering specialised technical sessions, UNODC's Drug Law Enforcement Expert, Mr. Jayant Misra presented an overview of the International Drug Control Framework and emerging global and regional trends in drug trafficking. Engaging discussions were held facilitated around vital topics such as UN conventions and drug classifications, as well as the World Drug Report 2023. The impact of cryptocurrency, financial investigations, and money laundering in the context of illegal narco trade were also extensively explored.

This South-South capacity building initiative created a unique platform for participating countries to foster cooperation and share insights on combating the illicit drug trade. The diverse participation showcased a collective commitment and expertise to addressing the pressing challenges posed by drug trafficking and drug-related issues.

One of the central focuses of the training was to dispel stigmatization surrounding drug-related concerns. UNODC underscored the importance of adopting compassionate and inclusive approaches to tackle drug issues effectively. By promoting understanding and empathy, officials from the participating nations were encouraged to create a supportive environment for individuals seeking help and rehabilitation.

The training also shed light on the impact of cryptocurrency on the illegal drug trade, emphasizing the significance of staying ahead of technological advancements that influence drug smuggling operations.

The collaboration between UNODC and the Indian ITEC mechanism exemplified the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking. By sharing expertise and best practices, the initiative aimed to equip officials with the knowledge and tools to combat the illicit drug trade effectively.

UNODC continues to build on the discussions and interventions to strengthen cooperation with the Indian Government and law enforcement agencies in developing a comprehensive strategic framework to address the drug problem.

This activity contributed to SDG 3, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the Government of India)