From October 20 to November 17, 30 national x-ray operators participated in the Interdicting Small Arms, Ammunition Parts and Components Course (ISAAPC) held in Colombia for the second time by the United Nations Regional Center for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC).This course was arranged in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) and the Tax and Customs Police (POLFA).
This second edition of ISAAPC in Colombia was aimed at relevant DIAN and POLFA officials. It has adopted a hybrid format consisting of both virtual and in-person sessions.
Faced with the challenge of illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition in the region, a criminal activity which is constantly evolving, UNLIREC aims to contribute to the efforts of Colombia, and all Latin American and Caribbean States in combating and preventing the illicit trafficking of firearms, their parts, components, ammunition and explosives through postal shipments, parcels, packages and luggage. It is important to note that ISAAPC was developed as a specialized training program for X-ray operators who carry out control and inspection duties at strategic points.
During the training, the participants will strengthen their skills in identifying weapons, their parts, components, ammunition and explosives, through a combination of theoretical and practical methodology. The course includes training on a virtual platform, and in-person practical activities at the El Dorado International Airport (Bogota). Both activities are aimed at improving the ability to identify threats such as weapons, their parts and components, ammunition and improvised explosive devices.
To complement and enrich this training and encourage cross-agency information sharing, , participants from different national institutions will also share their experiences in the detection of firearms and ammunition through x-rays.
The Interdicting Small Arms, Ammunition, Parts and Components Course (ISAAPC) ) is part of the technical assistance provided by UNLIREC under the Supporting the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects project, funded by the European Union.