The subregional workshop on international cooperation in combating arms trafficking and related crimes was successfully held in Bogotá, Colombia from 5 to 7 July as part of GIFP action DISRUPT. Implemented by UNODC in collaboration with INTERPOL, this workshop aimed to enhance the response capabilities of law enforcement and criminal justice operators in partner countries in effectively coordinating transnational investigations on firearms crimes as a means of combatting firearms trafficking in the region.
To establish higher standards in the investigation and prosecution of illicit firearms trafficking, participants were given the opportunity to engage with international and regional experts. These experts led interactive sessions on topics such as international cooperation, preservation and acquisition of electronic evidence and specialised investigative techniques, among others. The workshop also included a visit to the weapons tracing unit and forensic ballistics laboratory of the Colombian national police.
Bringing together law enforcement and prosecutors, from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, the workshop fostered a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and sharing of good practices.
