India faces rising synthetic drug threats, with trafficking routes expanding and links to transnational crime deepening. UNODC’s SMART Forensics workshops in Ahmedabad and Mumbai equipped 40 officials, scientists, and industry with global tools, evidence-based strategies, and stronger networks to counter synthetic drugs through smarter detection, regulation, and cooperation.
Bangladesh’s frontline officers are now better equipped to curb drug trafficking, with UNODC and USA handing over advanced test kits to the Department of Narcotics Control. The kits enable fast, reliable identification of narcotics and precursors, strengthening border inspections, interdictions, and evidence-based enforcement.
Law enforcement officers in the Maldives strengthened their ability to detect and stop narcotics and precursor trafficking through a UNODC training. Customs, Coast Guard, and police officials gained practical skills, hands-on technology training, and stronger inter-agency collaboration, boosting border security and regional responses.
With drug traffickers adapting fast, frontline officers need sharper skills. UNODC PCCP’s training in Nepal empowered 17 law enforcement officers with practical tools, risk management techniques, and inter-agency collaboration experience, enabling them to identify high-risk consignments more effectively and strengthen border security.
Every day, airport officers work under pressure to detect criminals posing as regular passengers. UNODC Passenger and Cargo Control Programme’s training in Nepal equipped 20 frontline officials with hands-on skills in behavioural analysis, casework and inter-agency coordination to detect high-risk passengers and identify trafficking and criminal activity at airports.
20 Sri Lanka customs and immigration officers strengthened their ability to detect high-risk passengers through UNODC’s practical training. The training combined intensive discussions, data analysis, behavioral profiling, and on-the-ground experience at Bandaranaike International Airport to provide officers with both technical know-how and confidence to apply techniques and skills under pressure.
Responding to threats from drug and precursor trafficking, 18 officers from Bangladesh Customs and Narcotics Control gained hands-on skills to counter smuggling through UNODC’s PCCP training. With simulations, case studies, and joint exercises, the training provided a platform for officials to sharpen their operational skills and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
Nepal: Strengthening national responses against Trafficking in Persons through evidence and partnerships
Building resilience against human trafficking starts with evidence-driven and victim-centered action. In Nepal’s Sudurpaschhim, Nepalgunj and Lumbini, UNODC and the National Human Rights Commission convened a series of consultations with anti-trafficking stakeholders to strengthen the country’s Trafficking in Persons Report. Stakeholders examined emerging trends, shared local data, and identified gaps in responses, underlining the urgent need for stronger partnerships, accurate reporting and border vigilance. Survivor voices, insights from border interventions and shelter visits enriched the discussions. The initiative was supported by the European Union to strengthen efforts in South Asia against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
(Supported by the
European Union)
Nepal: Promoting inclusive, stigma-free approaches to drug use and care
Addressing drug use and HIV/AIDS requires confronting stigma, gender bias, and barriers to care. In Nepal, UNODC and the Attorney General’s Office brought together drug users, medical associations, community groups, and government stakeholders to advance rights-based rehabilitation and tackle gender-specific challenges. The consultations focused on women who use drugs, addressing stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence, while also examining youth drug use and the pressures they face. The consultations fostered inter-agency collaboration, amplified the voices of people directly affected and promoted practical strategies for prevention, care, and inclusion. Supported under UBRAF, this initiative contributes to the Global AIDS Strategy.
(Supported by UBRAF)
Bangladesh: Training police officials to protect communities and reduce harm
In Bangladesh, UNODC and partners are training 25 Dhaka Metropolitan Police officials to enhance responses to drugs and HIV, emphasizing gender sensitivity and human rights. The program, inaugurated by S.M. Rokon Uddin, Rector of the Police Staff College, equips officers with knowledge and tools to protect communities, reduce harm, and promote equitable, informed policing practices across Dhaka.
India: Advancing education to empower young learners against addiction, risky behaviours and online threats
The fight against drugs, digital traps and harmful influences begins in schools. Under RiseUp4Peace, the Kamla Nehru Public School Phagwara engaged students from Grades I–XII through a whole-of-school visual storytelling campaign on addiction, mental health and online risks. Using arts, students produced murals, slogans and symbolic trees of strength made from scrap wood and put it up for display in corridors, to spark daily reinforcement of positive thoughts. In Bengaluru, over 100 students and educators from 21K school joined a virtual interactive dialogue to explore SDG16 themes and reflect on peace, lawfulness and inclusion. Students spoke candidly about the issues they see around them, from peer pressure to digital risks, and shared ideas on how to take meaningful action.
Join the UNODC Network in South Asia
Our Partners
Our activities in South Asia are possible
due to the generous support of:
Australia
Canada
European Union
Germany
India
Japan
Joint UN Program Fund
Norway
Sweden
Portugal
United Kingdom
United States of America
UBRAF/UNAIDS
Government Partners:
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Call for Partnerships:
Impacting Lives with Innovation
Advancing Crime Prevention, Justice and Health in South AsiaUNODC Regional Office for South Asia has developed a wide range of projects and initiatives in the following thematic areas:
-Building law enforcement capacities against drugs and organised crime
-Addressing drug use and HIV/AIDS -Enhancing multi-stakeholder responses to counter Trafficking in Persons -Engaging young people and educators on crime prevention, integrity, Global Goals and peace with educational interventions
-Promoting family skills to reduce risky behaviours among young people -Countering corruption -Addressing Gender-based Violence
-Strengthening responses to prevent and counter wildlife crime
-Countering cybercrime and promoting online safety
We seek activesupport to enable the implementation of these programs and to scale-up efforts to promote security, justice and health among vulnerable groups in South Asia. Our partnerships aim at building national and regional alliances on our mandates, which are closely linked to national, regional and global priorities as well as the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Let's join hands to enable and aid large-scale and impactful initiatives that help people lead safer and healthier lives . Your support can make all the difference!
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) assists Member States in their efforts to combat illicit drugs and international crime. Over the past two decades, the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia(ROSA) has been working with governments and civil society in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, providing specialized assistance to address challenges pertaining to drugs, organised crime, security, justice and health. The commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, human rights and the rule of law is at the core of our mandate.
Contact Us
C-97 (Ground Floor), Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024, India
Email: samarth.pathak@un.org
