The Global Container Control Programme
The amount of cargo shipped by sea containers has risen considerably over recent years. At present, more than 220 million sea containers move around the globe annually and approximately 90 per cent of the world's cargo is shipped by container. It is well known that the global trade supply is also used to smuggle illegal goods disguised as legal trade. Illicit drugs are a global problem with more than 200 million people abusing drugs worldwide. The impact of terrorism further highlights the potential risks posed by the use of containerized cargo shipments and the importance of ensuring security.
In response to that threat, UNODC has designed the Container Control Pilot Programme Project to assist the Governments of Ecuador, Senegal, Ghana and Pakistan to establish effective controls over the movement of sea containers. The project aims to prevent traffickers and other organized crime syndicates from using freight containers for drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
Joint customs and police port control unit will be established in selected ports. The training and equipping of joint police/customs interdiction teams by World Customs Organization and Interpol experts has begun. The Programme also facilitates regional cooperation and information sharing, and strengthens capacities for post-seizure investigations.
For more information please call :
Mr. Ketil Ottersen, Senior Programme Coordinator
43 (0) 1 26060 5528
Mr. Samy Gardemeister, Technical Officer, World Customs Organization
32 (0)2 2099 496