Cross-border drug investigations course in Italy

Organised by the Italian Framework Partner International University School, the CEPOL 17/2022 Cross-border Drug Investigations course kicked-off in Conegliano (Italy) on Monday 21 November 2022, with the Institutional welcome addressed by the town’s Mayor along with the Authorities.

49 participants representing 19 countries and 6 international organisations including four EU agencies, attended this four-days course focusing on various topics interlinked with Cross-border Drug Investigations:

• New technologies at the disposal of Member States (i.e. Satellite Images Analysis) and their utilisation in supporting investigations and information gathering, for instance in tackling organised crime groups specialised in illicit production, identifying trafficking routes, the international drug trafficking and drug insertion and distribution into markets;

• Undercover methods and techniques to enhance cross-border investigations. The course addressed Intelligence analysis techniques supporting investigative activities, how to implement them, along with methods and strategies to enhance practitioners’ capabilities and skills by  overcoming biases and cognitive limits that affect investigations and information gathering;

• Criminal, investigative and intelligence analysis in drug trafficking cases individuating multi-faceted aspects and connections with organised crime groups along with financial investigative techniques;

• Enhancing cooperation.

The activity included round table sessions, interactive debates and discussions of real cases, analysing challenges and ways to overcome them. Throughout the duration of the course, a facilitator ensured that all communications channels were open between participants and trainers. The facilitator also promoted deeper understanding and assimilation of the new scientific findings related to the challenges of transnational drug trafficking that a practitioner has to deal with during investigations.

The learning environment  was carefully designed to offer both free time and networking opportunities to participants. The aim was to create lasting networks and working relationships among experts from different European Countries and different agencies, for the future.

Author: International University School (Italy)

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