The INCB GRIDS training and cross-border networking program for contact points from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia was held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ “Mitrovo Polje” Training Center from December 2 to 6, 2024. Representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Customs Administration, and the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia participated on behalf of Serbia.
The training was organized in response to the growing number of overdoses involving synthetic psychoactive substances, with a significant rise in fatalities each year. Therefore, the exchange of data and international cooperation is crucial in the effective fight against the production, sale, and distribution of psychoactive substances.
In response to the needs of member states, INCB decided to expand its ION Project and the IONICS platform, as well as the Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Program, aimed at reducing the trafficking of dangerous substances. Through the improvement of global communication platforms, involvement of public and private partners, and coordination of multilateral operations, GRIDS will contribute to faster detection of new psychoactive substances and non-medical synthetic opioids.
The training was led by Ms. Lamija Džigal and Mr. Vladimir Kostić from INCB, as well as Mr. Saša Gajić from the “Mitrovo Polje” Training Center.
The “Mitrovo Polje” Training Center is equipped and adapted to the highest standards, providing specialized training services for members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia, as well as police officers from other countries and representatives of other state bodies. The center offers training in various security fields, particularly in the detection and deactivation of illegal laboratories for the production of psychoactive substances and precursors. It is unique in the region, and the training programs organized by experts from this center are recognized by numerous European and international law enforcement organizations. They have also been rated highly by instructors from the DEA, as well as experts from EUROPOL, CEPOL, and the United Nations.
The training included a series of specialized courses and practical exercises focused on combating illicit drugs, with particular emphasis on synthetic substances and hazardous laboratories. Participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with international drug control frameworks and the GRIDS program, as well as synthetic opioids, their forms, and production methods, through practical exercises and the use of protective equipment.
Practical exercises were conducted on the detailed planning and execution of operations against illegal laboratories, including the use of tactical equipment and drug detection devices, as well as simulated laboratory entry scenarios. At the end of the training, participants engaged in final exercises that involved the use of systems such as IONICS and GRIDS, followed by an evaluation and closing discussion on the applied methods. The program also included networking and the exchange of experiences among participants.
We would like to express our gratitude to the organizers, trainers, and all participants for the excellent organization and extremely valuable training.