UNODC integrated training series begins in Trincomalee

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched its 2026 integrated training series for Sri Lanka at the Special Boat Squadron Training School (SBSTS) in Trincomalee today, 21 September.

The programme is a comprehensive capacity building initiative designed to strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in combating maritime drug trafficking and associated organized crime through an integrated criminal justice approach.

The inaugural course focuses on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) procedures alongside hidden compartment inspection techniques. Running through 2 October, the twoweek programme brings together 29 participants: 8 from Bangladesh, 8 from the Maldives, 8 Sri Lanka Navy officers, 3 Sri Lanka Customs officials, and 2 personnel from Sri Lanka Police.

The programme incorporates theoretical and practical training covering safe working practices, boarding procedures, boarding team composition and communications, personnel searching and detention, vessel familiarization, ship documentation, ship search techniques, evidence awareness, ladder climbing techniques, static and underway boarding, vessel inspection and the identification and searching of concealed spaces.

Commanding Officer Special Boat Squadron, Commander Lakmal Weerakkodi, the Training Commander of the SBSTS) and UNODC VBSS Chief Instructor Mr. Johann Hendrick attended the opening ceremony.