OSCE workshop promotes co-operation to combat drug trafficking in South-Eastern Europe

SARAJEVO, 23 November, 2009 - An OSCE regional workshop that started in Sarajevo today aims to promote regional co-operation to combat drug trafficking in South-Eastern Europe.

The two-day workshop, organized by the OSCE's Strategic Police Matters Unit, aims to identify how the OSCE could support law enforcement agencies' fight against drug trafficking. The more than 40 police experts who are taking part will also discuss their experiences of using modern tools and technologies to investigate trans-national drug trafficking.

"Drug trafficking is a serious crime affecting people, families and communities," said Manuel Marion, the Acting Head of the SPMU. "To effectively fight drug trafficking, law enforcement agencies must co-operate across borders. With workshops such as this one, the OSCE creates platforms to develop joint approaches and strategies."

The SPMU organized the workshop in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, the Southeast European Co-operative Initiative, the Regional Co-operation Council and other international organizations.