UNITED NATIONS ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME LARGEST LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE PROJECT IN LATIN AMERICA
Press Release
SOC/NAR/778
UNITED NATIONS ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMME LARGEST LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE PROJECT IN LATIN AMERICA
19980316 (Reissued as received.)VIENNA, 12 March (UN Information Service) -- The United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) today unveiled its largest law enforcement assistance plan in Latin America, in cooperation with the Government of Brazil. The UNDCP Executive Director, Pino Arlacchi, announced the five-year, $27.9 million technical assistance project to support Brazil's national drug control plan.
"The project provides the Brazilian Federal Authorities with much needed support in their relentless fight against drug trafficking and abuse", Mr. Arlacchi said. "Working together, I am confident that UNDCP and the Brazilian Government can turn the tide against illegal drugs."
The new collaboration is designed to help Brazilian authorities crack down on trafficking of illegal drugs and chemicals required for refining heroin and cocaine. Brazil borders the world's largest producers of cocaine and is a transit point for an estimated 150 metric tons of cocaine a year destined for markets around the world. Brazil has become a supply location for the precursor chemicals used in making cocaine and heroin. Many Brazilian cities are facing an increase in drug abuse related problems.
The UNDCP-backed law enforcement project includes assistance for the modernization of police training programmes, improved cross-border coordination between national drug control agencies and the creation of a country-wide system which will monitor the control of precursor chemicals and manage information on justice and public security. The Brazilian Ministry of Justice will fund 88 per cent of the new project and UNDCP will provide the balance. The project complements current UNDCP support to Brazil in drug abuse prevention.
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