20 law enforcement and forensic officials from Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka strengthened frontline drug detection capacities through a UNODC training in Vienna. Participants gained practical skills to safely handle hazardous substances, rapidly identify drugs and precursors, and apply science-based field testing, improving officer safety, evidence quality and cross-border cooperation.
UNODC, with support of the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), provided drug and precursor testing kits to the Maldives National Drug Agency. This marked an important step towards enhancing the Maldives’ ability to detect and disrupt drug trafficking and precursor diversion. The handover was carried out in the presence of Ms. Marcy Brown, South Asia Regional Director of INL, Mr. Kristian Hölge, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia, and Ms. Fathmath Azza, Board Member of the Maldives National Drug Agency.
UNODC brought together members of the South Asian Network on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (SAN-PVE)–involving government and civil society representatives from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka–alongside experts from the gaming and social media industry, and civil society representatives focusing on preventing violent extremism (PVE) in the digital space. Participants examined real cases of gaming-based recruitment and multi-platform radicalisation, gained hands-on skills using the GAMMMA+ model and platform-specific threat indicators, and set clear priorities for early detection, strategic communications and regional capacity-building under SAN-PVE.
UNODC partnered with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Bangladesh Police, and with support from UNDP, worked to promote a peaceful electoral process ahead of the elections. More than 610 law enforcement officials across the country received training, enhancing command coordination, operational decision making, and ensuring consistent law enforcement practices at divisional, district and station levels.
At UNODC’s Laboratory and Scientific Section in Vienna, 10 Customs officers from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka strengthened their ability to safely identify synthetic opioids through a specialised training. Participants gained hands-on skills in using detection devices, interpreting results, applying PPE correctly, and preserving evidence, improving officer safety, field decision-making, and the quality of prosecutions.
Through a hands-on UNODC training, 21 justice sector officials strengthened their investigative capacity to counter trafficking and migrant smuggling. The programme enhanced skills in digital evidence analysis, covert operations and coordinated investigations-supporting more effective detection, stronger case development, and improved inter-agency cooperation.
33 officials built practical skills in trafficking related data collection and reporting, strengthening Bangladesh’s national trafficking in persons information system. Through hands-on exercises and inter-agency dialogue, participants addressed data gaps, improved coordination and reinforced evidence-based reporting to support stronger policymaking and victim-centred responses.
Nepal: Strengthening Partnership with the Government of Nepal
Mr. Kristian Hölge, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia presented credentials to H.E Mr. Bala Nanda Sharma, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal. UNODC reaffirms support to the Government of Nepal in strengthening justice, health and security.
Maldives: Strengthening Cooperation with Government of the Maldives
Mr. Kristian Hölge, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia presented credentials to H.E Dr Abdulla Khaleel, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of the Maldives. UNODC reaffirms support to Government of the Maldives in promoting justice, health and security.
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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
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
