UNODC CLOSING

A two week UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme Vessel Board Search and Seizure Training came to an end this morning, with three members of the Fiji Police Force graduating alongside other maritime law enforcement stakeholders.

The main purpose of the training was to enhance maritime enforcement for the purpose of searching and detecting illicit cargo using search techniques to detect concealed compartments.   

The official closing was officiated by the Republic of Marshall Islands Ambassador, His Excellency (H.E.) Junior Aini who congratulated everyone for their commitment.

“As island Nations facing Climate Change, the threat of environmental exploitation including illegal and unregulated fishing have far more devastating consequences now, more than ever."

"Furthermore, smuggling, trafficking, piracy and other forms of transnational crime pose tremendous added risks to human security,” said H.E. Aini.

He added that the challenges of maintaining the safety and security of our extremely large maritime zones requires a tremendous effort, and acknowledged the support by the UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on its Global Maritime Crime Programme for the establishment of a Pacific regional Vessel Boarding and Search Training in Fiji.

He said through the training, the UNODC has provided an essential and impressive resource for the Pacific Maritime Sector.