PMSA and UNODC launch second phase of initiative against drugs and contraband trafficking

KARACHI – Pakistan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) here launched the second phase of a program — Enhanced National Response against drug trafficking and contraband in the maritime domain.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the initiative is a 12-month effort to strengthen Pakistan's maritime capabilities to combat drug trafficking and contraband, indicates a UNODC press release. The project will be jointly implemented by UNODC Pakistan (COPAK) and the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Program (GMCP).

The ceremony was co-chaired by Director General of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali, and Charge d'Affaires (CDA) of the United States Mission in Pakistan, Andrew Schofer. Other representatives from UNODC, INL, Pakistan Coast Guard (PCG) and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) were also present.

In his speech, Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative of UNODC COPAK, highlighted the agency's collaboration with the Ministry of Narcotics Control during the design and implementation of the Phase I project (October 2020 to March 2023). “(The) UNODC takes a holistic approach to help the Government of Pakistan address various drug and crime-related challenges more effectively, both at the national level and by fostering Pakistan's partnership in various regional and international forums “, he added.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Milsom said that while fully aligned with UNODC's global and country strategies, this phase II project would greatly complement the government's vision and ongoing efforts to strengthen border management of Pakistan, reduction of drug supply and rule of law – aimed at creating a safe environment for the people of Pakistan. David O'Connell, GMCP Program Coordinator, gave a comprehensive presentation on the threat dynamics of smuggling drugs and other items across Pakistan.

He highlighted the achievements of the Phase I project which were in line with the strategic priorities of the Government of Pakistan in border management. O'Connell also gave an overview of the Phase II project, detailing its expected outcomes such as “enhancing inter-agency coordination among Pakistan's maritime law enforcement agencies”, strengthening inter-agency cooperation law enforcement agencies of Pakistan and their regional counterparts and increasing the capacity of the Pakistani justice system. law enforcement agencies in detecting, deterring and interrupting drug and contraband trafficking across coastal areas and the maritime domain. In his speech, Andrew Schofer highlighted that ensuring a secure maritime environment was not just a priority for Pakistan, but a global imperative, as drug trafficking and smuggling contributed to instability and endangered the security of nations around the world. “By confronting these issues head on, we are contributing to a more secure and prosperous future for all, while highlighting the 77 years of partnership between the governments of the United States and Pakistan, and the 42 years of the American mission of security assistance to Pakistan. via the INL,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, PMSA Chief Rear Admiral Ali said that due to its geographical location, Pakistan has long been exposed to the negative impacts of illicit trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances from Afghanistan. “As a signatory to the three United Nations drug conventions, the Government of Pakistan envisions a healthier Pakistani nation, free from the menace of drug trafficking and the adverse health effects caused by the use of narcotics” , he observed.

Opiates and synthetic drugs produced in Afghanistan were transported via the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean to various destination countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Oceania , he continued. Pakistan therefore continues to serve as the first line of defense against a massive influx of narcotics from Afghanistan – which threatens security throughout our region and beyond, Ali added.