The Expert Network on General Aviation is an international platform that brings together law enforcement, border and customs authorities, aviation specialists and policy experts to address the misuse of general aviation by organised crime groups. As criminal networks increasingly exploit private aircraft, helicopters, drones and other non-commercial aviation channels to traffic drugs, move illicit funds and circumvent traditional controls, the need for coordinated responses has become more pressing. The session provides a forum for participants to exchange operational experience, identify emerging threats, share innovative practices and strengthen cross-border cooperation. Through dialogue, intelligence-sharing and practical collaboration, the network supports efforts to enhance aviation security and disrupt criminal activities across jurisdictions.
The 7th Expert Network Session on General Aviation, held in Strasbourg on 10–11 June 2026, will focus on the evolving role of general aviation in facilitating drug trafficking and related criminal activities, with particular attention to emerging smuggling methods, risk indicators and opportunities for enhanced international co-operation. Participants will explore data-driven approaches to detection and monitoring, examine recent operational cases, and discuss ways to strengthen communication between authorities and private-sector stakeholders.
Day 1: Wednesday, 10 June
09:00 Registration of participants
09:30 Welcome addresses
- Ms Christiane Schimeck, Head of the Health and Addictions Department and Executive Secretary of the Pompidou Group
- Mr Tony Verachtert, Chair of the Expert Network on General Aviation, Belgium
09:50 State of Play in General Aviation
09:50 – 11:00 Tour de Table 1 – based on questionnaire / mentimeter
- All participants
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:15 Tour de Table Part 2 – based on questionnaire / mentimeter
- All participants
12:15 – 12:30 Summary and conclusion on State of Play
- Mr Tony Verachtert, Chair of the Expert Network on General Aviation, Belgium
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 Pilot initiatives in General Aviation
14:00 – 14:20 SPAVIS project
14:20 – 14:40 The abuse of General Aviation for nefarious purposes from an Irish perspective
14:40 – 15:00 S.A.L.T Project (Drug smuggling via Sea, Air, Land and Train)
15:00 – 15:20 Project SENN-AVI (Benelux) – Barriere model
15:20 – 15:30 Q&A
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break
16:00 – 16:30 GA Multi-Agency Hub (GAMAH)
16:30 – 16:45 Feasibility study on travel information for private flights
16:45 – 16:50 Q&A
16:50 – 17:00 Closing day 1
- Mr Tony Verachtert, Chair of the Expert Network on General Aviation, Belgium
Day 2: Thursday, 11 June
10:00 Opening day 2
- Mr Tony Verachtert, Chair of the Expert Network on General Aviation, Belgium
10:10 Challenges in General Aviation Operations – Case studies and frameworks
10:10 – 10:35 Evaluation of Operation Silent Skies I and II
10:35 – 11:00 Judicial perspective on general aviation investigations
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break
11:30 – 11:55 Case Studies on Drug Trafficking via General Aviation in Portugal
11:55 – 12:20 Framework on Organised Crime Related to Drug Trafficking (OC-DT) – Guidelines
12:20 – 12:30 Q&A
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch break
14:00 International co-operation and way forward in General Aviation
14:00 – 14:20 Supporting investigations concerning drugs trafficking via private planes
14:20 – 14:50 EMPACT OA 1.2 – General Aviation
14:50 – 15:20 Latest trends in General Aviation investigations
15:20 – 15:30 Q&A
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break
16:00 – 16:45 Discussion on formation of a working group tasked with development, management, and dissemination of a SPOC (Single Point of Contact) list
16:45 – 17:00 Concluding remarks
- Mr Tony Verachtert, Chair of the Expert Network on General Aviation, Belgium