US training local enforcement agencies to detect suspicious, illicit goods

…as 6-month partnership to strengthen port security begins

The United States, through the Department of State’s office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), kicked off a six-month programme on January 24 to strengthen Guyanese port security and container control.

According to a release from the US Embassy in Guyana, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Container Control Programme, in partnership with the World Customs Organisation, is implementing the programme, which is aimed at weakening transnational criminal organisations and deterring the trafficking of illicit goods.
Officials from the World Customs Organisation opened the programme with a two-week virtual training course for members of Port Control Units, composed of members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF); Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, providing them training in profiling, targeting, and inspecting containers.
This training, the US Embassy said, will give them the skills to effectively detect suspicious and illicit goods, and make sure goods departing Guyana have been properly declared and duties paid.
The UNODC Container Control Programme works worldwide to promote legitimate trade by enhancing container screening capacities. It provides training, equipment, and access to communications data and tools from the World Customs Organisation.
The programme is part of the ongoing commitment by the United States to the security of Guyana and the region.