Opening speech by Rafael Benitez, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment
Distinguished Representatives, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to this year’s Law Enforcement Conference! It is both an honor and a pleasure to open this second international Conference on Drug Control Networks, hosted by the Pompidou Group.
Over the next three days, we will pursue a dual purpose:
- To promote regional and international instruments and standards in combating drug trafficking and networks.
- To provide a platform for the exchange of good practices, innovative solutions, and reflections on future strategies in addressing the growing challenge of drug-related crimes.
The Global Challenge of Drug Trafficking
Drug production, supply, and trafficking represent a significant global challenge. They fuel organized crime and violence while posing serious risks to public health, security, and economic stability. Criminal networks transcend borders, requiring us to strengthen and refine our joint responses through enhanced international cooperation.
This cooperation must not only involve states and law enforcement agencies but also extend to private sector stakeholders. Industries such as chemical production, IT, air traffic, social media, postal services, and telecommunications all play pivotal roles in both the problem and the solution.
Emerging Challenges
Key sectors like aviation, maritime operations, and internet platforms—particularly the dark web—are increasingly being exploited for drug trafficking. The integration of artificial intelligence into the online drug market has further complicated this landscape. AI technologies enhance the efficiency and anonymity of drug transactions, while machine learning algorithms facilitate these operations without direct human interaction, creating new challenges for law enforcement.
The Role of the Council of Europe
The Council of Europe has long been at the forefront of international efforts to combat organized crime, offering conventions and standards for investigative assistance, seizure, and confiscation of criminal proceeds. Recent initiatives from the Pompidou Group are expanding this work, including:
- Development of the new Artificial Intelligence Convention.
- Finalization of the Draft Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law.
- Progress on the Draft Third Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.
- Supplementing the Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure, and Confiscation of Crime Proceeds and Terrorism Financing.
Additionally, the Pompidou Group has launched key policy formulation initiatives. These include upcoming recommendations on aligning drug and addiction policies with human rights and guidelines for combating organized crime related to drug trafficking, informed by the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.
Call to Action
The alarming rise in drug trafficking and related crimes underscores the urgent need for strengthened international cooperation. Transnational crimes, driven by profit and impunity, increasingly attract organized crime groups. Evidence-based reports from the EU Drug Agency and the UNODC confirm this escalating trend.
Your participation today underscores the importance of our collective effort. With experts and representatives from 26 Pompidou Group Member States, additional Council of Europe and Observer States, as well as key international organizations and private sector participants, this conference represents a unique opportunity to share knowledge and innovate.
Together, we can:
- Prioritize the detection, investigation, and prosecution of drug-related crimes, integrating organized crime dimensions into national strategies.
- Regularly review and enhance legal frameworks to address drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
- Harmonize legislative approaches, including cross-border definitions, sanctions, and investigative tools.
- Raise awareness about the human and societal costs of drug-related crimes.
- Foster holistic, cross-disciplinary cooperation across public and private sectors.
Conclusion
I am confident that this conference will yield valuable recommendations and reinforce the groundwork for future actions. Let me extend my heartfelt thanks to all participants, organizers, and supporting institutions for your commitment to tackling these challenges.
Your dedication is both vital and deeply appreciated. Together, we can shape effective strategies to combat drug trafficking and organized crime for a safer, healthier future.
Thank you, and I wish you all a productive and successful conference.