“New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Building Knowledge and Evidence Base Training Through Research” JUST/2013/ISEC/DRUGS/AG6411 Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 1 Leandros Mama Drug Law Enforcement Unit Cyprus Police Μay 2016

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 2 New Psychoactive Substances A new psychoactive substance is defined as 'a new narcotic or psychotropic drug, in pure form or in preparation, that is not controlled by the United Nations drug conventions, but which may pose a public health threat comparable to that posed by substances listed in these conventions (EMCDDA, 2011)

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 3 Project Aims:  Expand knowledge on NPS use  Expand knowledge on drug trafficking of NPS through the “hidden web” (Darknet)  Promote cooperation between key partners (Law Enforcement Agencies, State General Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Services, Private and Public Postal Companies)  Exchange of best practices with other Member States  Train key players on measures to be taken during the delivery of postal packages in order to prevent trafficking of NPS in Cyprus

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 4 Working Package 2: Training and Exchange of Best Practices Aim: Improve the management of NPS cases and reinforce Supply Reduction measures in order to prevent the trafficking of NPS  Exchange of Best Practices with other EU MS: - Study visit of DLEU members to Belgium and UK - “Train the trainer” was provided by experts from EU MS for key players (DLEU,Customs, Private and Public Postal Companies, State General Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Services  Training: - From trained members of DLEU and the State General Laboratory to front line professionals

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 5  Liege Airport in Belgium- TNT (euro hub)  Zaventern Airport, Brussels in Belgium  East Midlands Airport, UK  Coventry Centre, UK  National Crime Agency (NCA), Birmingham, UK Study visits to Belgium and UK

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 6 Trainings  “Train the trainer”: 31 Officers participated  8 trainings to “front line professionals”: 230 Officers participated

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 7 Challenges  The low cost of NPS production combined with the possibilities of exchanging information and selling products online (especially through Darknet) have made NPS widely available recently  There is a difficulty in identifying new substances in laboratories  Different legal approaches in EU MS (lists with substances– generic approach)  Time consuming process to assess the risk of each NPS, which leads to different categorization of NPS on International- European- National Level  Not so much information on the NPS-dangers to health

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 8 Conclusions  Early Warning System: Very important role on a European and National Level  Recent developments concerning the amendment of Council Decision 2004/757/JHA on exchanging information, risk assessment and control of NPS  Preventing measure: Generic Legislation (submits substances of similar structure under control), including the recent review of the list of controlled substances  The State General Laboratory and the Pharmaceutical Services must be in full coordination and alert in order to submit NPS, that do not fall under the generic legislation, under control

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 9  Continuous information on new trafficking methods is necessary for all key players (electronic notification to key players, including private postal companies)  Technical means (detection machineries) for use by the DLEU and Customs Department, that are up to date, are necessary for the effective control  X-Ray Machine in the Public Postal Office, at Larnaca Airport  Law Enforcement access to the Private Postal Companies’ systems in order to have access to high-risk packages (based on information, country of origin, route, package cost in comparison with the content etc)  Constant updating of the profile of high risk packages, based on the analysis of previous seizures Conclusions- Need for:

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 10 Conclusions- Need for:  Update of suspects’ profile at the airports  Common package control policy, especially those with EU origin  Control of small packages coming from the EU or third countries, based on the risk assessment  Programming and intensifying common controls by the Police (Canine Devision) and Customs Department  Internet access by the Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (e.g. through the Tor Browser)  Drug Law Enforcement Agencies Access to Social Media (Facebook, Tweeter, Instagram)

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 11 Conclusions- Need for:  Measures ensuring effective control of suitcases and personnel working at the loading/ uploading packages areas  Enhancing security measures in those areas  Enhancing cooperation between the DLEU and private postal companies, through bilateral agreements  Continuous training and information of front-line professionals on NPS and relevant legislation

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 12 Understanding dynamics, trends and patterns of NPS use among drug users in Cyprus POLICY MAKING Implementation of new programmes and innovative interventions in the field of supply reduction as well as demand reduction Exchange experiences and capacities in the management of NPS cases, especially regarding the prevention of NPS trafficking in Cyprus

Το έργο συγχρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Πρόγραμμα “ISEC” Prevention of and Fight against Crime, της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. 13 ISEC Project: Cyprus Police– Drug Law Enforcement Unit