A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MOU) was clinched yesterday between the Government of Guyana (GOG) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to combat the trafficking of drugs, guns and other items inside shipping containers. Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee signed the MOU on behalf of the Government of Guyana at the Ministry of Home Affairs boardroom at Camp Road and Young Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Mr. Troels Vester signed on behalf of UNDOC Regional Representative, Mr. Armado de Andres.
Rohee recalled that Guyana’s involvement in the Container Control Programme (CCP) was partly due to the role played by the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security and Illicit Drugs.
However, while giving a background to the launching of the UNODC CCP in 2003, Rohee said that his ministry learnt of it through a correspondence to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and it was immediately accepted as such Guyana became a signatory to it in an effort to combat the fight against illicit drugs, guns and illegal trade for criminals worldwide.
He noted that the CCP is ideal for Guyana given our geographical location; “we are noted as a major transshipment point for drugs and guns among other things.”
Rohee added that he sees the training by UNODC CPP as the development of capacity building for the local law enforcement agencies personnel as well as the other organisations involved.
Regional Manager, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for Container Control Programme (CCP) Mr. Troels Vester welcomed Guyana for signing onto the CCP after their first visit to Guyana in May and Guyana is the first country in the Caribbean to sign the MOU on the programme and our neighbour, Suriname is expected to sign on shortly.
He said the system would involve a team of analysts and inspectors who would execute their duties with minimum disruption.
Vester added that the training will be undertaken by his organisation in which those trained for a two-week duration will be equipped to work together to systematically target high-risk containers, using risk analysis and other proactive techniques with the minimal disruption to free flow of legitimate trade.
He noted that Guyanese and Surinamese officers drawn from the Guyana revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) will commence training from October 1 to 12.
Following the awarding of diplomas, the units in both countries would begin operations on October 15 at John Fernandes wharf, Georgetown and then for a designated location in Suriname after a week.
Vester said Jamaica, The Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago are expected to establish similar multi-agency units.
He said that Guyana is the first country in the Caribbean to have reviewed and approved the establishment of a Container Control Programme since the first mission here in mid-May.
The UNODC however, credits the Container Control Programme with cracking down in the shipments of illicit drugs and other items in Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica and Paraguay.
Meanwhile US Ambassador to Guyana, Mr.  Brent Hardt also at the UN Container Control Programme MOU signing said that the illicit trafficking of drugs through sea ports is a significant threat to our economies and security.
He said: “The global drug trade weakens legal trade, destabilize economies, and contributes to corruption and this is why the United States has committed to multi-agency efforts to combat the narcotics trade. The US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and law Enforcement’s mission is focused on lessening the impact of the illegal drug trade and international crime through global partnerships. Today’s signing of the Memorandum is a concrete step towards combating the trafficking threat.”
Hardt stated that the US is pleased to provide funding for this important United Nations (UN) Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) initiative to increase port security and prevent lawful maritime cargo containers from being used for lawful activities, specifically; illicit drug trafficking, chemical precursors, smuggling of goods, tax evasion and including possible terrorist acts.
He added that the US supports multiple UNODC Container Control Program (CCP) initiatives throughout the world and commends the progress that CCP training and implementation has brought to countries such as Morocco and Pakistan.
Hardt noted that this programme will help develop a global network that builds the capacity for Guyana’s law enforcement bodies to combat transnational crime and drug trade.
He said, “I have had the opportunity to work with UNODC in previous diplomatic assignments, and I have greatly appreciated the capabilities and resources they can bring to bear upon regional and global efforts to combat illegal narcotics. Having had a chance to discuss this initiative in detail with Mr. Vester in recent months, I am very excited about the impact this programme can bring in boosting Guyana’s counter-narcotics and other illicit trafficking efforts.”
The Diplomat explained that the US, as a responsible member of the global community is very pleased to reaffirm its commitment to cooperate with UN member states in preventing and eradicating illicit trafficking.
He added that the US commends the UN, the government of Guyana and the partner nations for supporting this important initiative.
Funded by the United States (US) to the amount of US$500,000, the project will entail the creation of an inter-agency unit involving the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU), officials said.

The UNODC-World Customs Organisation (WCO) Container Control Programme
More than 420M maritime containers move around the globe each year, account for 90% of international trade. Yet only 2% of these containers are inspected, creating opportunities for organized crime syndicates and terrorists to use them for criminal purposes.
They use maritime containers to smuggle illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, weapons, endangered species, hazardous materials and goods internationally mislabeled for fraud and revenue evasion.
Illegal shipments pose a very real and serious threat to international security, public health and international trade, but successful interdiction of maritime containers is difficult. The sheer volume of international container traffic, sophisticated and often ingenious concealment methods and diverse routings are part of the problem.
At the same time, law enforcement agents are often hampered by a lack of inter-institutional coordination, complex port processes and systems, lack of resources and dangerous working conditions in many seaports. Greater international communication, cooperation and information-sharing can help address these challenges.