Dhaka, Bangladesh/17 July 2025: In today’s interconnected world, the security of international aviation hinges not only on external threats, but also on risks that arise from within. Insider threats, where individuals exploit their access to restricted areas to enable smuggling and other illicit activities, pose a growing challenge to aviation security. Addressing this requires agile, informed, and well-coordinated law enforcement responses that can operate seamlessly within high-risk environments without disrupting legitimate trade and travel.
Through a specialized UNODC training on insider threats, 14 officers from Bangladesh Customs were equipped with knowledge, skills and tools to detect, disrupt, and deter smuggling activities facilitated by corrupt insiders. Supported by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the five-day training was held under UNODC’s Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) and brought together frontline officers from the international airports of Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.
Insider threats, often involving corrupt airport personnel with access to secure zones, are notoriously difficult to detect. To counter this, the training focused on operational readiness, safe navigation of restricted areas like aircraft aprons, and understanding how aviation supply chains can be manipulated from the inside. Participants examined real-world smuggling tactics used by rogue insiders and were trained on how to respond within the limits of their legal authority.
A hands-on practical session at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport enabled officers to conduct enforcement activities in air cargo and apron areas. They entered Hold 5 of an aircraft to inspect structural compartments and ensure no unmanifested items were hidden or left behind. The training emphasized cross-agency coordination, risk profiling, and the importance of proactive countermeasures.
This initiative reflects UNODC’s continued commitment to supporting Member States in strengthening border integrity and upholding the rule of law. By building the capacity of frontline officers, particularly in high-risk environments like airports, PCCP contributes to a safer and more secure global supply chain.
This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/
(Supported by the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs)
