Male, Maldives and Colombo, Sri Lanka/19 June 2025: In the evolving security landscape, technology plays a crucial role in helping law enforcement agencies identify and address threats. For customs and border officials, the ability to effectively use tools such as X-ray scanners is essential for detecting illicit goods and ensuring the safe flow of trade. Capacity-building of frontline officials in this area is therefore a vital component of border management.
Through a set of two intensive workshops in Male and Colombo, UNODC, in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) trained 15 officers of the Maldives Customs Service and 18 customs officials from Sri Lanka Customs on specialised X-Ray image analysis. Held with support of the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program of the US Department of State, the trainings helped boost the practical skills of participants in interpreting X-ray images and applying advanced techniques to detect concealment methods.
Central to the training was the recognition that border security is vital to both national safety and economic integrity. Officers enhanced their technical understanding of X-ray systems, improving their ability to detect concealment techniques, and sharpening their interpretation of complex imagery. These skills are particularly crucial in identifying hidden threats such as narcotics, contraband, and strategic materials—items that increasingly cross borders under sophisticated cover.
The sessions drew on real-world case studies, making the learning both relevant and actionable for frontline officers. Participants engaged in interactive sessions and practical exercises, learning to identify high-risk shipments, recognize concealment patterns, and apply risk-based approaches to screening.
The event exemplified the strong collaboration between UNODC, customs authorities, international partners, and generous donors committed to promoting safety and security across the region.
This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17:Â https://sdg-tracker.org/
(Supported by US Department of State)
