3rd Regional Training for Law Enforcement Officers
The Colombo Plan collaborated with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Singapore to organize the 3rd run of the Regional Training for Law Enforcement Officers in Singapore from 18-22 June 2012. 32 mid-ranked officers from Law Enforcement agencies of 16 member countries were trained by this five day programme that was held at Furama City, Hotel of Singapore.
In his opening remarks, the Acting Director of CNB, Marvin Sim highlighted the alarming increase in the incidence of drug production, trafficking and abuse and emphasized the need for increased level of regional co-operation to address the issue. These views were reiterated by Mr. Antonius Riva Setiawan, Director, Drug Advisory Programme who also noted a documented increase in the cross-border drug trafficking activities and ever raising challenges for the law enforcement officers apart from the resource constraints.
This training programme aimed to build the capacities of the law enforcement officers by providing them an understanding on comprehensive approach to drug law enforcement, covering number of aspects such as legislation, precursor control, financial investigation, transnational drug trafficking, operational tactics and controlled delivery. The participants were also provided an overview of the regional drug situation. The country presentations made by the participants underscored the drug scenarios in different countries and some of the best practices in place. The participants also got the opportunity to visit the Health Science Authority and Woodlands Checkpoint where they were given lectures on the specific operations carried out by these agencies.
Resource persons from the Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore, New Zealand Police, Australian Police, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), US conducted lectures on selected topics, adding different agency perspectives to the curriculum of the training. The participants viewed the training programme not only a capacity building activity but also as a mean of strengthening regional networks which is vital for combating licit drugs.
The Colombo Plan expresses its sincerely appreciation to the Central Narcotics Bureau for partnering with the Colombo Plan to held this regional training annually.
