Law enforcement and drug control experts from across Europe and beyond, alongside representatives of partner organisations, met in Athens on 14 and 15 October for the 38th Session of the Co-operation Group of Drug Control Services at Airports and Mail Centres (Airports Group). Organised by the Pompidou Group, in co-operation with the Greek National Organisation for Prevention and Treatment of Addictions and the Hellenic Police, the session provided a forum to exchange operational experience and expertise on drug trafficking through postal channels and airports.

The session opened with remarks from Dr Franz Pietsch, Chair of the Pompidou Group’s Committee of Permanent Correspondents: “Drug trafficking through airports and postal channels continues to present serious challenges. Criminal networks adapt their routes, exploit commercial logistics, use new concealment methods and take advantage of technological change. Effective responses depend on timely information exchange, professional trust and practical cooperation between police, customs, border authorities, international organisations and private-sector partners.”

Mr Athanasios Theocharis, the Greek National Drug Coordinator, emphasised that “Protecting public security and safeguarding public health are complementary goals. Effective action lies in the trust we build, the information we share and the concrete action that emerges from these network sessions.”

The first day focused on drug control in mail centres, including postal trafficking routes, new concealment methods, detection, risk management and investigations. Participants also discussed customs procedures for postal parcels and the role of public-private partnerships in preventing trafficking through supply chains.

A visit to the DHL gateway in Athens complemented the discussions, with participants taking part in sessions on co-operation between Greek Customs, the Greek Police and DHL Express and on the role of private companies in preventing trafficking through supply chains.

On the second day, discussions turned to drug control at airports. The programme included sessions on trafficking routes and evolving threats, intelligence-led targeting, passenger data, new detection technologies and international operational co-operation.

Case studies and presentations addressed topics including the online recruitment of drug couriers, international investigations, general aviation and joint operations.

In her closing remarks, Ms Konstantina Stergiatou, Chair of the Airports Group stressed that “there is still considerable room to strengthen our work by combining intelligence and data analysis. The most effective approach is one that brings together intelligent technology, human expertise and operational experiences. And of course all these developments must be accompanied by appropriate for human rights safeguards.”

The session concluded with a focus on strengthening co-operation through international networks and joint initiatives, with a shared objective: to improve understanding of current and emerging threats, reinforce professional networks, and promote coordinated, effective and rights-based responses to common challenges.