American experts train Moldovan officers to combat drug trafficking

Thirty Moldovan law enforcement officers attended a special U.S.-sponsored course on fighting drug trafficking sponsored by the U.S. Government, and conducted in Chisinau May 12–23, Info-Prim Neo has learnt from the US Embassy. At the graduation ceremony on May 23, Ambassador Michael Kirby reiterated the commitment of the U.S. Government to help Moldovan law enforcement develop the necessary skills to effectively protect the citizens of Moldova. «Recent seizures of narcotics being shipped through Moldova demonstrated the importance of anti-drug trafficking efforts as part of this mission,» the ambassador said. Investigation officers from the Anti-drug unit of the Department of Operative Services of the Moldovan Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Moldovan Customs Service attended the course. Special agents and analysts from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration explained several aspects of combating drug trafficking, particularly criminal and financial investigations, substance analysis, operative work and ethics. Course topics included drug identification and testing; case initiation; recognizing and responding to clandestine laboratories; arrest situations; interviewing suspects; planning and completing raids; undercover operations; financial investigations; regional drug trafficking trends; and narco-terrorism. This training course was conducted as part of the 7th Amendment to the bilateral Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement between the Government of Moldova and the Government of the United States. Under the Letter of Agreement, the U.S. Government provides technical and material assistance to the Moldovan law enforcement to help improve their professional performance.