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| An x-ray image shows packages of illegal drugs being smuggled inside food tins. |
Brussels: Nearly 40 people have been arrested and EUR 15 million worth
of drugs seized during a global operation targeting the trafficking of
methamphetamines by air from Africa to Asia.
Operation WESTERLIES (16-25 November), organized by the World
Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan Customs and supported by INTERPOL, saw
some 100 customs and law enforcement officials target the criminals behind the
trafficking through heightened controls on departing, transiting and arriving
passengers at international airports located on known routes used by drug
smugglers.
The operation targeted methamphetamines either produced in,
or being exported from, African countries and destined for sale in Asia.
Passengers travelling between the two regions, often via airports in Europe and
the Middle East, were screened to detect any who might be smuggling the drug.
Officers checked passenger information against INTERPOL’s
criminal databases via the I-24/7 secure global police communications network,
and shared information and intelligence through the WCO’s communications tool,
CENcomm. Training sessions were held in the participating countries prior to
the start of the operation, and drug detection kits were distributed at the
selected airports.
Bernd Rossbach, Director of INTERPOL’s Specialized Crime
unit, said INTERPOL must continue to build strong partnerships with
organizations like the WCO to more effectively combat the criminal networks
behind drug trafficking and other serious crimes.
He asserted, “Close cooperation between the WCO and INTERPOL, making the
best use of each other’s tools and services, and effective integrated border
management systems are key to ensuring secure borders and protecting citizens
from the threat of illicit drug trafficking and related crimes.”
“Our drugs and organized crime initiatives can only be
successful if we have strong alliances with partners in law enforcement and
beyond,” concluded Rossbach.
Customs officials at various airports seized 220 kg of
drugs, including 63 kg of methamphetamines and amphetamines, and 58 kg of
cocaine. Also seized during the operation were 120 kg of illegal elephant ivory
and some USD 3 million in undeclared currency.
As a result of information obtained during the operation,
three global alerts were issued informing law enforcement of newly detected
smuggling methods.
The Secretary General of the WCO and the Secretary General
of INTERPOL recently met and reaffirmed cooperation between the two
organizations in their efforts to bolster the fight against transnational
organized crime.