Brussels, 30 March 2012
Press Release
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Vienna-based International
Narcotics Control Board (INCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize
their long-standing cooperation with a view to enhancing international drug
control efforts within their respective mandates, thus ensuring a better
environment and a safer world for citizens across the globe.
Cooperation between the WCO and the INCB will focus on ensuring the
legitimate trade and use of internationally controlled substances, the effective
implementation of United Nations treaties and resolutions on narcotic drugs,
psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals, and the elaboration of joint
strategies for swift action against known and emerging forms of diversion of
controlled substances.
”The INCB highly values the role of the WCO in facilitating the exchange of
information and sharing of best practices among national Customs authorities,
who play a critical role in the functioning of the international drug control
system by monitoring global trade in controlled substances,” noted INCB
President, Professor Hamid Ghodse. “The Board looks forward to the enhancement
of its very constructive cooperation with the WCO, which is now formalized by
this MOU,” he added.
“The WCO and the Customs community are committed to continue working with the
INCB to combat illicit drug and precursor chemical trafficking at borders, thus
protecting the health and safety of the world’s citizens,” said WCO Secretary
General, Kunio Mikuriya. “This MOU is a powerful tool in our efforts to deal
effectively with threats posed by the illicit drugs trade, while securing and
facilitating the movement of legitimate goods,” he added.
Under the MOU, both the WCO and the INCB also undertake to support, within
their mandates, global initiatives aimed at monitoring international trade in
narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals, and to promote
and facilitate technical assistance and training programmes in these areas,
notably through the sharing of best practices and the exchange of information
and intelligence.
The INCB is the independent and quasi-judicial United Nations body
established in 1968, with a mandate to monitor and promote the implementation of
the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on
Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
Established in 1952 and now the global centre of Customs expertise, the WCO
also assists Customs authorities worldwide to implement drug control policies
and law enforcement programmes that contribute to the fight against the illicit
trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals,
of which the WCO Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) plays a key role.
More information
WCO – World Customs Organization
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário