VICTORIA, Seychelles — Customs officers from the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) have begun a three-week training programme in container control, delivered in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Customs Organisation (WCO), and the Seychelles Revenue Commission with funding from the European Union. The training opened this morning at a ceremony attended by SRC officials and partner representatives. The programme aims to strengthen the country’s ability to detect illegal shipments and support legitimate trade.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve risk management capabilities at the country’s borders and to enhance supply chain security. Speaking at the opening, SRC representative Christian Barrack said the training will help officers better detect prohibited and counterfeit goods, and improve the clearance of legitimate trade. He noted that customs has in the past intercepted cargo where importers had made false declarations or failed to declare certain goods, even where those goods were legitimate.
Mr Barrack explained that control units have been established in over 80 countries around the world, including Angola, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda. There are now more than 180 such units globally. He added that the new Seychelles unit, to be established by the end of this year, will be staffed by enforcement officers equipped to exchange information with international partners on transnational crime, corruption and terror.
The training will focus on practical skills including profiling, risk-based selectivity, and the use of detection equipment. Participants will also learn how to conduct controlled deliveries and how to coordinate with other agencies. The UNODC has said the training is part of a broader programme to support small island developing states in building customs capacity.
According to Landry Tei of the UNODC, the capacity-building initiative is funded by the European Union and brings together customs, police, and other law enforcement officers. The training will come to a close on February 23. Once the unit is operational, the SRC expects to see a measurable improvement in detection rates at the country’s main port.
