Kathmandu, Nepal/15 August 2025: With passenger traffic at airports steadily growing, the ability to identify high-risk travellers quickly and effectively is essential for law enforcement. Often, traffickers and criminals try to blend in with regular passengers. For officers working at airports, rapid, informed judgments are essential to prevent high-risk passengers from evading detection.
To strengthen these skills, UNODC, through its Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP), trained 20 officers from Customs, the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Armed Police Force, Tribhuvan International Airport Police, and Immigration on High-Risk Passenger Targeting. The 5-day hands-on course combined classroom sessions with practical exercises, focusing on risk management, behavioral analysis, and how to use passenger data effectively.
Officers worked through case studies based on real incidents and took part in simulations that tested their ability to make fast, informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
A practical exercise at Tribhuvan International Airport added another layer bridging theory with practice, bringing together officers from different agencies. While multiple agencies already operate side by side at Nepal’s busiest airport, the course created a dedicated space to share experiences, strengthen coordination and build trust. Officers were empowered with sharper analytical and technical expertise, greater confidence, and stronger ties across agencies.
Participants said the experience gave them skills they could apply immediately. “Beyond the technical skills in risk management and behavioral analysis, the training has taught us how to think critically and respond effectively to potential threats,” said Mr. Subash Basnet, Sub Inspector at the Narcotics Control Bureau of Nepal.
“The practical exercises and real-life scenarios gave us hands-on experience that we can immediately apply at the airport. We are thankful to UNODC PCCP for organizing this course and investing in the capacity of frontline officers like us, helping us protect our borders more efficiently and professionally.”
This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/
(Supported by the United States Government)
