Suva, Fiji, December 14, 2020- Keeping our borders secure from illicit trade is not only the concern of regulatory bodies but is a national effort, says OCO acting Head of Secretariat, Mrs. Irma Daphne Stone. “Regulatory bodies such as customs administrations alone cannot battle against unscrupulous traders. We need to have a collaborative approach of the public and private sectors to combat the large-scale but fragmented syndicates who indulge in the manufacture and supply of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), non-medicinal synthetic opioids and fentanyl,” Mrs. Stone said.
Participants of the International Narcotics Control Board organized Expert Group Meeting
OCO, on behalf of its 23 membership, recently participated in the virtual Expert Group Meeting on Dangerous Substance Trafficking through Freight Forwarding Services, which was convened by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) from November 30-December 11. Government regulatory bodies including the public and private sectors discussed the prevailing situation surrounding the influx in illicit trade on non-medicinal synthetic opioids, fentanyl, and non-psychoactive substances (NPS). The meeting looked at opportunities to have a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the trade fraternity comprising the air industry, freight forwarders, postal services, and government regulatory bodies such as Customs and Narcotics Departments to detect and dismantle the entire supply chain of the illicit drugs from manufacturing, marketing, movement, and sales. “It is important for OCO that our members are fully aware of INCB’s international efforts and that they also support the Board in its efforts to curb production and supply of NPS, non-medicinal synthetic opioids and fentanyl,” Mrs. Stone added.
Mrs. Stone presented to the meeting on OCO’s partnership work as well as the Modus Operandi of illicit substance in air freight found in some of OCO member countries.
For more information or any queries, please contact the Secretariat or email: mediaoco@ocosec.org
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