OSCE Mission helps improve regional co-operation in combating drug trafficking

An exercise in combating international drug trafficking, designed and financed by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, concluded in Prishtinë/Priština on 11 March 2011.

The exercise involved seven law enforcement agencies from across the region, the EU and the Kosovo police. It aimed to assess regional co-operation mechanisms, identify shortcomings and provide recommendations on how to better investigate and combat drug trafficking.

In line with the exercise scenario, a substance was transported from Turkey through Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to a sale and distribution point in Kosovo. From there it was further distributed to sale points in Montenegro, through Albania, and in Germany through Slovenia.

During the exercise, the law enforcement agencies used a technique called controlled delivery. This method uses police intelligence to track drug traffickers and disclose their distribution network to investigators.

“The exercised demonstrated that information sharing is essential in combating drug trafficking,” said Director of the OSCE Mission’s Security and Public Safety Department, Carsten Twelmeier. “We therefore recommended establishing an internal communication mechanism to ensure a smooth flow of information and police intelligence.”

Further recommendations from the exercise call for a regional harmonization of legislation regulating counter-narcotics operations and its alignment with EU standards, as well as for improvements in the technical capacity of surveillance teams in the Balkan region.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with rule of law promotion and public safety sector development. The Mission will help implement the exercise recommendations and will continue its support of law enforcement agencies in Kosovo.