illicit-trade-wco-2013

end, all amounts of tablets were converted into kilograms
(kg) by using the conversion rate of one gram
for three tablets. The same applies to seizures reported
in ampoules, capsules, units, etc. which have
also been converted into kg.
With regard to thresholds, all seizures entered into the
CEN database were taken into consideration without
setting any threshold.
The analyses and trends emerging from this Report
are only as credible as the information from which they
have been drawn. It is therefore important to stress
that considerable care is needed when reaching
conclusions, given that exceptionally large seizures
might boost the results of the analysis and that some
Members have only provided partial data.
The 2013 Drugs Section is divided into two main
parts. The first part gives an overview of the major
drug types intercepted worldwide and the key trends
noted by Members. The second part presents special
items, with particular emphasis on initiatives, projects
and operations initiated or co-ordinated by the WCO
Secretariat in its Members’ interest.
GLOBAL OVERVIEW
Table 1. Number of seizures by drug category
Category Number of Number of
seizures seizures
in 2012 in 2013
Cannabis 16,902 18,778
Khat 11,103 15,253
Psychotropic drugs 6,978 8,991
Cocaine 6,244 6,296
Opiates 2,324 2,016
Other 220 47
Total 43,771 51,381
The number of seizures relating to narcotics or
psychotropic substances input into the CEN in 2013
involved a total of 51,381 cases and was consequently
significantly higher than for 2012, when this total stood
at 43,771 cases (see Table 1). This increase in the
region of 17 per cent is indicative of the clear
commitment by Customs services to combat drug
trafficking more effectively, enhanced by a greater
understanding of control techniques. In addition, the
various projects and operations carried out during
2013 substantially boosted this figure due to the
excellent results obtained.
However, this rise in seizures also reflects the reality of
criminal organizations’ commitment to pursue the
production and trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic
substances, for which the diversification of the delivery
routes and the innovative products coming on the
market are genuine causes for concern and require
constant vigilance and adaptation by the inspection
services.
An increase in seizures was particularly noted for
cannabis, khat, psychotropic substances and cocaine,
in varying proportions. The trend tended to be
downward for opiates. In addition, new forms of drugs
flooding the markets pose major problems of
identification and interception for enforcement agencies,
especially as they are primarily traded via the Internet
and conveyed by postal or express mail services. The
extremely different legal provisions from one country to
another also make the task of the inspection services
even more complicated.
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