Detection and deactivation of illegal laboratories

In the framework of the Technical Assistance Facility, from 29th of November till 3rd December, in the Teaching Center Mitrovo Polje, Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia the project Countering Serious Crime in the Western Balkans – IPA 2019 organised the Workshop “Enhancing practical knowledge necessary for detection and deactivation of illegal laboratories for production of psychoactive substances and precursors” – first part. The workshop was attended by 25 members of police units (specific profiles – drug units, forensics) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

Growing trends in the detection of illegal laboratories for the production of synthetic psychoactive substances, precursors and cultivation of marijuana, the broader social context of drug use and smuggling among young people, as well as the threat to human life and health and environmental pollution require systematic responses in  in the Western Balkans.

The specialized teaching center for detecting and deactivating illegal laboratories for the production of psychoactive substances and precursors established by the Ministry of the Interior Serbia, as the leading center of its kind in Europe, provides the best possible conditions for upgrading capacities of legal enforcement agencies in this field.

The workshop provided an excellent platform to introduce police officers to detection and deactivation of illegal laboratories, practical and advanced knowledge and skills on how to detect them, use personal protection equipment and collect evidence for the prosecution.

Together with the trainers and project representatives, participants discussed further forms of cooperation at different levels, with the aim to a develop common and joint response to existence of illegal laboratories and drug smuggling in the region. It was agreed to develop cooperation at operational and strategic level, to continuously share knowledge and exchange experience in this field.

Photo Source: CSC WB