Seaports control system

Objective:

To develop an international maritime information exchange system, similar to the MAR-INFO system in the EU in order to enhance analysis procedures and provide a targeting means in support of combating the drug smuggling in Black Sea region.

To establish/reinforce control capacity in the Ukrainian seaports of Odessa and Illichevsk.

1. In-depth need assessment at seaports;
2. Creation of analytical teams for drug interdiction at seaports;
3. Provision of equipment at seaports;
4. Training on drug interdiction capacities at seaport;
5. Improvement of information exchange between seaports around the Black Sea;

• Search, transportation and office equipment delivered;
• 27 officers from State customs, Border guards and Security services of Ukraine trained;
• Training manual published;
• Analytical groups on selectivity and risk analysis established on the basis of Odessa and Illichevsk customs units;
• Agreement of the involved Customs Services of the Black Sea countries (Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Turkey, Moldova and Russia) to create information exchange system is achieved on the meeting o the representatives of the heads of mentioned services.

The project will sustain the activities of drug enforcement units (customs, security service) at the sea ports of Odessa and Illichevsk. Having provided the drug enforcement teams with modern equipment and training on selectivity and risk analysis, there is a need to enhance the information exchange on drug smuggling between customs authorities of the Black sea basin and EU countries. The main activities of the project will comprise:

• Improvement of information exchange between seaports around the Black Sea (phase 2);
• Support to a Working Group on establishing the information exchange system between the seaports around the Black sea;
• Monitoring and expert’s support of functioning of drug combating units at the sea ports of Odessa and Illichevsk;
• Training for investigation of drug cases.