Amidst the global challenge of combating drug trafficking and related crimes, the recent 67th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) held from 15 to 22 March 2024 once again provided a global space for discussing lates trends and responses on drugs trafficking and related international drug policy commitments. Among a record of over 170 side events addressing a wide range of issues on drugs, the GIFP components featured relevant side events outlining trends in drug related transnational organised crime and visualising responses created through the EU funded GIFP projects.
ESACD was the first of the GIFP actions to host (15 Mar) and their high-levelevent was titled ‘Catalyzing responses to the expanding and diversifying range of drugs and drug markets in Eastern and Southern Africa.’ The event examined regional drug trends and provided a formal introduction to the commission, which was launched in February 2023 under the leadership of former South African president H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe. Additionally, participants discussed the outcomes of the previous ESACD meetings, proposed ways forward and heard perspectives from speakers from the region to inform discussions at the CND and its mid-term review of drug policy commitments.
Following suit (18 Mar), DISRUPT seized the opportunity to present on its Issue Paper titled “Firearms and Drugs: Partners in Transnational Crime.” DISRUPT shared that the paper sheds light on the multifaceted relationship between firearms and drug trafficking, highlighting that the links between these illicit markets present a global challenge requiring a clear understanding and integrated responses. Additionally, the devastating spillover effect that gun violence related to drug trafficking can have on local communities and, geographically, in the broader region in which drug trafficking occurs can detract development and fuel armed conflicts.
ENACT and CRIMJUST both presented on the last day (22 March). The former focused on Central and Western Africa for its side event and facilitated a nuanced conversation on evolving drug trends within these regions. By using the Africa Organized Crime Index to analyse shifting patterns of drug trafficking and consumption throughout these regions, ENACT provided valuable insights crucial for informed policy responses and strategic interventions. These insights included observations such as the expanding role these regions are playing in the global illicit drug trade, conflict as a driving force in growing the drug trade and the steady increase of both the cocaine and cannabis trade since 2021. To see the full event click here.
Finally, CRIMJUST utilised the CND platform to invite Mercosur prosecutors of the Ibero-American Association of Public Ministries (AIAMP) to discuss best practices for establishing Joint Investigation Teams. During this side event, prosecutors from the Sub-Commission on Narco-criminality of the REMP’s Specialized Meeting of Mercosur Prosecutors engaged in a dialogue regarding the practical application of this tool, the challenges they face, best practices, and lessons learned. Among the key conclusions, the panellists agreed that the establishment of Joint Investigation Teams among Mercosur member and associate countries is becoming an increasingly common tool for international cooperation in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and related crimes. Joint investigations facilitate the identification of criminal networks operating in countries of origin, transit, and destination, identifying those responsible and their roles in criminal activities. This, in turn, facilitates the gathering of cross-border evidence aimed at dismantling transnational criminal networks.
The collective engagement of the GIFP actions at the 67th Commission on Drugs meeting, not only underscored the commitment of the GIFP towards addressing illicit trafficking but also demonstrated the EU’s engagement in tackling complex global challenges. By leveraging their expertise and resources, the GIFP projects contribute towards shaping informed policies and fostering international cooperation essential for identifying effective responses to drug-related crimes.
