ROCB Europe Leads High-Level Dialogue on Drug Trafficking at 68th CND Session in Vienna

On March 10, 2025, the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) Europe successfully organized a high-profile side event titled “Joining Efforts to Develop Responses to Drug Trafficking and Related Offences”, held within the framework of the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including customs administrations, law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and academic experts, to foster dialogue and promote collaborative solutions in the fight against drug trafficking and related crimes. The side event featured participation from prominent institutions such as the World Customs Organization (WCO), International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), CARICC, Indian Customs Administration, Shanghai University, and the China-Afghanistan Studies Center. The discussions revolved around regional trends, emerging threats, and strategic innovations to improve interdiction efforts and enforcement cooperation. In their joint presentation, Mr. Mirhasan Seyidzade, Deputy Director of ROCB Europe, and Mr. Haji Hajiyev, Executive Officer, outlined the Office’s strategic vision in combating drug trafficking. ROCB Europe emphasized the modernization of customs operations, enhanced training of enforcement officers, and the importance of international partnerships. Key initiatives presented included regional container inspection programs, cooperation with the Narcotics Training Academy (NEA), training on modified drugs, and webinars addressing synthetic drugs and trade-based money laundering. The session also highlighted key interventions from other experts. Ms. Alman Fan (WCO) showcased the WCO’s global efforts including AI-supported customs risk analysis and canine detection programs. Mr. Fumio Ito (INCB) introduced the GRIDS Programme, a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism targeting dangerous substances and precursor chemicals. Dr. Abhishek Gupta (India DRI) detailed India’s use of AI and machine learning in narcotics detection, while Ms. Hong Zhu (Shanghai University) addressed the intersection of organized crime, digital platforms, and drug trafficking. Presentations from CARICC and China-Afghanistan Studies Center underlined Central Asia’s security vulnerabilities and the role of narcotics in financing terrorism. Closing the event, Mr. Seyidzade reiterated ROCB Europe’s commitment to supporting WCO Members through targeted capacity-building, innovation, and deeper engagement with customs and law enforcement partners. He emphasized that joint action, regional coordination, and technology-driven solutions are essential to address the evolving landscape of drug-related threats. This side event marks a significant milestone in ROCB Europe’s ongoing efforts to facilitate international cooperation and strategic knowledge-sharing in the global fight against narcotics.