UNODC

Container programme
In an increasingly interconnected world, the transportation of goods through international
shipping containers has become a vital component of global trade. However, this vast
network of maritime trade also presents an attractive avenue for transnational criminal
activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and the illicit trade of firearms and
wildlife products. Recognizing the need to address these challenges, the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) established the Container Control Programme (CCP).
This guide explores the significance, objectives, and impact of the UNODC Container
Programme in enhancing global security and combating transnational crime.
Enhancing Container Security: The UNODC Container Programme aims to enhance
container security by establishing strategic partnerships with governments, port authorities,
and international organizations. Through its comprehensive approach, the program assists
participating countries in developing and implementing effective container control units
(CCUs) at key ports and border crossings. These CCUs employ advanced techniques and
technologies to detect and intercept illicit goods hidden within shipping containers. By
promoting standardized procedures, risk analysis, and intelligence sharing, the program
improves the capacity of participating countries to safeguard their borders and intercept
criminal activities.
Combating Transnational Crime: One of the primary objectives of the UNODC Container
Programme is to combat transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking. The global drug
trade generates billions of dollars each year, fueling violence, corruption, and instability. The
program assists countries in establishing robust legal frameworks and operational capabilities
to counter drug trafficking and related crimes. By facilitating cooperation and information
exchange between participating countries, the UNODC Container Programme strengthens the
global response against organized criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
Capacity Building and Training: Recognizing the need to build local capacity, the UNODC
Container Programme provides training and technical assistance to customs officials, law
enforcement agencies, and port authorities. Training programs focus on enhancing the
knowledge and skills required for effective container control, including risk profiling,
container profiling, and the use of modern inspection equipment. Through these capacity-
building efforts, the program equips frontline personnel with the necessary tools to identify
and address potential security threats effectively.
Promoting International Cooperation: The UNODC Container Programme places
significant emphasis on fostering international cooperation in the fight against transnational
crime. The program facilitates information sharing and regional coordination through
platforms such as the ContainerComm network, which allows participating countries to
exchange intelligence and best practices. By promoting collaboration between law
enforcement agencies, customs administrations, and relevant stakeholders, the program
strengthens global partnerships in combating illicit activities in the maritime supply chain.
Measuring Impact and Achievements: Since its inception, the UNODC Container
Programme has made significant strides in enhancing global security and combating
transnational crime. By the end of 2020, the program had established 63 CCUs across 47
countries, leading to the interception of tons of illicit drugs, illegal firearms, and other
contraband. Moreover, the program has facilitated the arrest and prosecution of numerous
individuals involved in transnational criminal networks. These achievements underscore the
program's effectiveness in disrupting criminal operations and securing the international trade
of legitimate goods.

AIRCOPS
The rapid growth of air travel has revolutionized global connectivity and economic development.
However, the aviation sector has also become a target for transnational criminal activities, such as
drug trafficking, smuggling, and the movement of illicit goods. Recognizing the need for a
coordinated response, the AIRCOPS (Aviation Industry Counter-Offering Smuggling) programme
was established. This essay explores the significance, objectives, and member countries of the
AIRCOPS programme in enhancing aviation security and combating transnational crime.
The Significance of AIRCOPS:
The AIRCOPS programme represents a unique collaboration between international organizations, law
enforcement agencies, and the aviation industry. It aims to strengthen aviation security by providing a
platform for sharing information, expertise, and best practices. By fostering cooperation and
coordination among member countries, the programme enhances the ability to detect and interdict
illicit activities in the aviation sector.

Objectives of the AIRCOPS Programme:

Intelligence Sharing: The AIRCOPS programme facilitates the exchange of intelligence among
member countries to identify emerging trends, routes, and criminal networks involved in smuggling
and other illicit activities. This shared information enables proactive and targeted enforcement efforts.
Training and Capacity Building: The programme offers training programs and technical assistance
to member countries, focusing on enhancing the skills and capabilities of law enforcement personnel
involved in aviation security. Training covers areas such as profiling techniques, cargo and passenger
screening, risk assessment, and the use of advanced detection technologies.
Operational Cooperation: AIRCOPS encourages member countries to collaborate on joint
operations and investigations to disrupt criminal networks involved in smuggling and other illicit
activities. This cooperation enables the pooling of resources, intelligence, and expertise for more
effective and efficient operations.
Member Countries of the AIRCOPS Programme:
The AIRCOPS programme comprises a diverse group of countries that are committed to enhancing
aviation security and combating transnational crime. While the membership may evolve over time, the
following countries have been actively involved in the programme:
Belgium: As a strategic location in Europe, Belgium plays a significant role in coordinating efforts
against aviation-related smuggling and illicit activities.
Colombia: Being a major transit country for drug trafficking, Colombia's participation in AIRCOPS
strengthens the fight against narcotics smuggling through the aviation sector.
Côte d'Ivoire: Situated in West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire is an important hub for air transportation,
making its participation crucial for combating illicit activities in the region.
Ecuador: With its geographic location and proximity to drug-producing regions, Ecuador's
involvement in AIRCOPS contributes to tackling drug trafficking in the aviation sector.
France: As a major global aviation hub, France brings valuable expertise and resources to the
AIRCOPS programme, aiding in combating smuggling and other criminal activities.
Ghana: Positioned in West Africa, Ghana's involvement strengthens regional efforts to combat illicit
activities, especially drug trafficking, through aviation channels.
Indonesia: With its extensive archipelago, Indonesia faces unique challenges in aviation security. Its
participation in AIRCOPS enhances efforts to combat smuggling and protect air transportation.
Italy: Italy's strategic location in the Mediterranean and its robust aviation industry make it an
important partner in addressing illicit activities and safeguarding the aviation sector.
Kenya: As an East African hub, Kenya's participation in AIRCOPS contributes to strengthening
regional aviation security and combating transnational crime.
Mauritius: Being a key Indian Ocean destination, Mauritius plays a critical role in the AIRCOPS
programme by addressing illicit activities, including drug trafficking and smuggling.
These are just a few examples of the member countries involved in the AIRCOPS programme. Other
countries, including Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Spain, Thailand,
Tunisia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US).
Current Drug Trade Situations

Refer this link to see in-depth analysis of the “Drug-situation” in 2022.

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2022.html
Global Drug Trends:
The current world drug trade is characterized by several significant trends:
1. Increased Production: The production of illicit drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, synthetic opioids,
and methamphetamine, continues to rise in various regions. Factors such as weak governance,
corruption, and economic instability contribute to the expansion of cultivation and manufacturing
sites.
2. Shifting Trafficking Routes: Traffickers are adapting to law enforcement efforts by altering
trafficking routes. For example, the "Golden Triangle" in Southeast Asia, the "Golden Crescent" in
South Asia, and the transhipment routes through West Africa have witnessed fluctuations as traffickers
seek new paths to evade detection.
3. Emergence of New Substances: The proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and
synthetic drugs presents a significant challenge. These substances often fall outside existing legal
frameworks, making regulation and enforcement difficult.
4. Online Drug Marketplaces: The internet has facilitated the growth of online drug marketplaces on
the dark web, providing an anonymous platform for drug transactions. Cryptocurrencies and
encrypted communication further complicate law enforcement efforts to combat online drug sales.

Challenges in Combating the Drug Trade:

The fight against the drug trade faces several challenges:
1. Transnational Nature: The drug trade operates across borders, exploiting jurisdictional gaps and
weak governance in certain regions. Collaboration and information-sharing among countries are
essential to effectively tackle the global reach of the trade.
2. Corruption and Money Laundering: Drug traffickers often engage in corruption and money
laundering, which undermine law enforcement efforts. The ability to infiltrate legitimate businesses
and financial systems poses a significant challenge to detecting and disrupting drug-related financial
transactions.
3. Violence and Instability: The drug trade frequently intersects with organized crime and armed
groups, leading to violence and instability in drug-producing and transit regions. This dynamic
threatens the security and well-being of affected communities.
4. Health and Social Consequences: The drug trade fuels substance abuse and addiction, resulting in
significant health and social consequences. These include increased rates of overdose deaths, spread
of blood-borne diseases, and social disintegration in affected communities.

Global Responses and Initiatives:

Efforts to address the world drug trade involve a comprehensive and multidimensional approach:
1. International Cooperation: Enhanced international cooperation is crucial for combating the drug
trade. This includes sharing intelligence, supporting mutual legal assistance, coordinating law
enforcement operations, and promoting regional initiatives such as joint border patrols.
2. Demand Reduction Strategies: Recognizing the importance of addressing drug abuse at its roots,
countries have implemented prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. These initiatives
focus on education, public awareness campaigns, and accessible treatment services to reduce demand
for illicit drugs.
3. Supply Reduction Efforts: Law enforcement agencies work to disrupt drug production,
trafficking, and distribution networks through interdiction, seizures, and arrests. Enhanced
cooperation between countries, as well as investment in specialized training and equipment, is
essential to effectively disrupt the supply chain.
4. Alternative Development: Promoting alternative livelihoods and sustainable economic
opportunities in drug-producing regions helps reduce reliance on illicit crop cultivation. This approach
aims to address the socio-economic root causes that drive individuals into drug production and traffic.
5. International Drug Control Conventions: International drug control conventions, such as the
United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, provide a framework for cooperation and the

Bibliography
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/ccp/index.html
https://www.unodc.org/easternafrica/global-programmes/container-control/index.html
https://www.unodc.org/southasia/en/topics/frontpage/2009/combating-transnational-organised-
crime.html
https://www.unodc.org/ropan/en/BorderControl/container-control/ccp.html
https://www.unodc.org/documents/evaluation/indepth-
evaluations/2013/CCP_Final_Evaluation_Report_22NOV2013_IEU.pdf
https://www.iea.org/reports/ccus-in-clean-energy-transitions/ccus-in-the-transition-to-net-zero-
emissions
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2019/February/global-aircop-meeting-gathers-experts-to-
identify-good-practices-and-challenges-in-detecting-illicit-trafficking-by-air.html
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/organized-crime/AIRCOP/News/2018-09-25-unodc-facilitates-best-
practices-exchange.html
https://www.un.org/cttravel/From%20Take-
Off%20to%20Landing%20%E2%80%93%20UNOCT%20and%20UNODC%20AIRCOP%20partner
%20under%20the%20UN%20Countering%20Terrorist%20Travel%20Programme%20to%20build%2
0Member%20States%20capacities
https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Page/NPS
https://www.marshallcenter.org/en/publications/occasional-papers/new-psychoactive-substances-
challenges-law-enforcement-agencies-and-law
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/alternative-development/
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/treaties/index.html ~Ratul Khettry