Control of transnational flow of goods along with protection and surveillance duties constitute the core elements of the management of the borders. Nowadays, transport by container is a typical example of a speedy mean of transport which poses more complex and additional problems for the customs and other border control authorities. Consequently preventive and specialized search techniques become a necessity. With the support of UNODC-WCO, through the financial contribution of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, a Joint Container Control Unit of six officers from Customs Administration, Border Police and Anti Drug Unit was inaugurated in a ceremony organized at Durres Port, Albania this month. The ceremony was attended by the Albanian Minister of Interior, HE. Flamur Noka, Ambassadress of the Federal Republic of Germany in Tirana, HE. Carola Mueller-Holtkemper, Director General of the Albanian State Police, Director General of the Customs Administration, UN Resident Coordinator, UNODC Senior Programme Coordinator and other dignitaries.
 In their greeting speeches the dignitaries stated that the joint team would contribute to the improvement of the cooperation between customs police and other relevant bodies to prevent criminal organization from abusing legitimate commercial trade as well as to the creation of new tools and mechanisms for collecting, analyzing and sharing information.
They reiterated that the event was another important milestone in the partnership among police and customs and expressed their belief that they would continue to work like that in a long future with the ultimate goal of contributing to the order, security, prosperity and protection of citizens’ health and welfare.
Durres Port, the largest in Albania, is one of the 17 selected ports across the world benefiting from the UNODC-WCO Global Programme on Container Control. Source; UN