Client: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Beneficiary: Airport Authority of Baghdad
Year: 2021
AIRCOP, a collaborative initiative led by UNODC, INTERPOL, and WCO, enhances the capabilities of international airports to target and apprehend high-risk individuals and illegal goods. Its objective is to combat drug trafficking, terrorism, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling. With operations spanning 41 airports around the world, including the Middle East, AIRCOP promotes communication and coordination among countries to disrupt illicit flows and criminal networks.
Document authenticity verification devices were supplied to the Baghdad Airport security services. A team of MEDILab personnel traveled to Baghdad to personally conduct the installation of the laboratory equipment and familiarize the end users on the devices. More specifically, officers were provided with hands-on lab equipment training on the verification of passports, ID cards, travel documents, visa stamps and seals, including entry permits.
Through our contribution to this project, the Airport Authority of Baghdad is now equipped with stronger border security infrastructure, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Through skills training and knowledge transfer, the security officers are emboldened to more effectively combat illicit activities through the use of their new laboratory equipment.
