Dhaka, Bangladesh/ 27 August 2025: Illicit drug and precursor trafficking remains one of the most serious security challenges facing South Asian countries. For Bangladesh, the fight against illicit drugs is a pressing priority both from the security as well as the health perspectives. Traffickers continue to adapt, concealing narcotics in legitimate cargo and moving them through porous routes. To counter this, frontline agencies require sharper skills and stronger coordination than ever before.
To reinforce these efforts, UNODC under the Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) convened an anti-smuggling training Workshop for 18 officers from Bangladesh Customs and the Department of Narcotics Control, offering them a platform to sharpen their operational skills and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
Over four days, participants deliberated on interdiction techniques such as profiling and information analysis, while examining regional trends shaping trafficking dynamics. Real-world case studies gave officers the chance to dissect how smugglers conceal illicit substances, and what red flags to look for in shipments. An impactful aspect of the training was its emphasis on simulation. Through group exercises, participants practiced interdiction procedures, role-playing how to respond to suspicious consignments under pressure. These exercises built not only technical proficiency but also confidence in decision-making.
The workshop underscored UNODC’s ongoing partnership with Bangladesh in tackling the evolving threats of illicit drug and precursor trafficking. By investing in the skills and cooperation of frontline officers, the initiative contributes directly to safer borders and more effective enforcement.
This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/
(Supported by the United States Government)
