Detection and prevention of trafficking of dual-use chemicals and improvised explosive devices in focus of OSCE, WCO course in Dushanbe

Instructor Seevali Arukgoda delivers a hands-on training session on Global Shield Application, Dushanbe, 13 April 2015. (OSCE/Ilona Kazaryan )

DUSHANBE, 24 April 2015 - A ten-day comprehensive train-the-trainer course on the detection and prevention of trafficking of dual-use chemicals which may be used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for 14 instructors from the national training customs institutions of Afghanistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan concluded today at the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe.

“This course is designed to prevent threats that concern us all when it comes to use of improvised explosive devices by criminal groups and terrorists. It aims to reduce security risks and protect lives through enhancing professional skills of officers responsible for detection and prevention of trafficking of the dual-use chemicals,” said Acting Director of the OSCE Border Management Staff College Flemming Hansen Splidsboel.

“From now on customs professionals from Afghanistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are certified trainers responsible for further dissemination of the knowledge received during the training.”

The course delivered by the experts from the Global Shield Programme of the World Customs Organization (WCO) focused on the threats of IEDs, investigation and inspection instruments for the control of dual-use chemicals, and customs risk assessment methodologies. The training also helped to further develop participants’ teaching skills engaging them in designing and delivering their own study sessions.

“Programme Global Shield is an important international effort to counter the illicit diversion and trafficking of precursor chemicals and certain components used by terrorists and other criminals to manufacture improvised explosive devices. The education is a critical component in furthering this effort,” said WCO’s Global Shield Programme Manager Jeffrey Wickett.

“The OSCE has partnered with Global Shield to achieve a milestone by embedding the Programme's curriculum into the Customs Administrations training departments.”

In parallel with the course, the third Global Shield Programme Operational Coordination Working Group meeting took place from 15-16 April. During the meeting the regional co-ordinators from Afghanistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan shared the progress of activities conducted in close co-operation with the national customs administrations. The prospects for expanded partnerships and the operational challenges of participating nations were also considered.

The Operational Coordination Working Group meeting and the train-the-trainer course aim to enhance the security of the global supply chain of precursor chemicals and national security infrastructure.