Balochistan, In a significant development aimed at combating narcotics in Balochistan, the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), in collaboration with the Excise, Taxation and Anti-Narcotics Department of Balochistan (ETAN-B) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan, concluded a Training of Trainers (TOT) session for master trainers. This session is part of the broader project, “Strengthening Capacity of Excise, Taxation and Anti-Narcotics Balochistan,” funded by INL, designed to enhance the professional capabilities of ETAN-B staff and, by extension, fortify counternarcotics operations in the region.

According to United Nations Development Programme, the master trainers, having completed their TOT session, are now tasked with extending these specialized trainings to over 200 ETAN-B staff members. These future sessions will involve both national and international experts from UNDP and cover critical areas such as Intelligence-Led Field Operations, Basics of Criminal Investigation and Crime Scene Management, Understanding the Legal Framework of Counternarcotics in Pakistan, and Research, Trend Analysis, and Strategy Development. This initiative aims not only to upscale the expertise of ETAN-B personnel at the provincial and district levels but also to make strides toward a safer and drug-free Balochistan.

Abdul Rehman Buzdar, Secretary of ETAN-B, emphasized the department’s commitment to curbing drug proliferation and related crimes through professional development of its staff. He acknowledged the support from U.S.-INL and UNDP Pakistan in multiplying the department’s institutional capacity to combat narcotics effectively.

Lori Antolinez, Director of U.S.-INL, reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s dedication to this collaborative project with ETAN-B and UNDP Pakistan. She highlighted the sustainable approach of the initiative, which aims to create a cadre of master trainers who will train additional counternarcotics officers, thereby enhancing ETAN-B’s law enforcement capabilities over the long term.

Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, expressed gratitude towards U.S.-INL and ETAN-B for their partnership in this critical endeavor. He stressed the sustainability of development initiatives undertaken by UNDP Pakistan, noting that the creation of a pool of master trainers will significantly benefit the institution and contribute to a drug-free future for Balochistan.

This project aligns with UNDP’s Rule of Law Programme efforts to strengthen security and justice sector governance in Pakistan, marking a pivotal step towards combating narcotics and enhancing law enforcement capacities in Balochistan.