During the scoping mission conducted in April 2024 to Ecuador, several challenges had been identified:
- Lack of awareness about the threat posed by GA in the fight against transnational crime
- Lack of knowledge of existing regulations
- Lack of methodology for effective control
- Lack of knowledge of the specificities of this mode of transport
Thus, from 22 – 26 July 2024, COLIBRI organised a national foundation training that would address these gaps by providing field agents with the knowledge and basic techniques to efficiently plan control operations and monitor general aviation. Furthermore, knowledge of GA regulation and a solid understanding of national and regional issues are needed to carry out control operations, identify and establish relevant risk indicators, and ensure follow-up investigations.
The course was opened by the Undersecretary for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility and the delegate of the Undersecretary for Combating Crime of the Ministry of the Interior. The authorities stressed the importance of international collaboration and inter-agency coordination at both national and international levels to combat the threats posed by organised crime to the security, health and well-being of citizens. They also highlighted the relevance of COLIBRI which, through its initiatives, facilitates coordinated work between all administrations.
The workshop was attended by a total of 34 officials, including 11 women, from the main national administrations and units responsible for general aviation control and for combating illicit trafficking.The workshop focused on strengthening knowledge of GA, reinforcing capabilities to detect illegal activities, and the study of real cases with practical exercises to consolidate the theoretical knowledge acquired. Additionally, an introduction to the Geoportal and its mobile application was also given.
The Air Force facilitated the practical exercise, providing the project with a Gulfstream V jet aircraft and relevant documentation for the aircraft and a pilot. It also provided all participants with a guided tour of a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft. In addition to the experts, a mechanic was appointed to assist in this practical exercise.
At the end of the workshop, the first meeting of the National Steering Committee was held with all the focal points designated by each administration. During this meeting, the structure, functioning and objectives of the Committee were presented. The Committee were asked to hold the following meeting before the next international operation in order to finalize the necessary details for Ecuador’s participation in it.
