SEESAC Further Supports Albanian Authorities to Counter Trafficking and Illicit Possession of Firearms

With the EU support, SEESAC organised a workshop on the development of Standard Operating Procedures for the Criminal Police and the Firearm Focal Point of the Albanian State Police in Durëss, Albania on 26-30 September 2022. It aimed at the enhancing the authorities’ capacities to counter trafficking, misuse, and illicit possession of firearms.

The workshop was based on the recommendations and conclusions of the Needs Assessment Report on Capacities of the Criminal Police of Albania to counter illicit trafficking and possession of firearms which resulted from a field visit and a detailed assessment of the Criminal Police that SEESAC conducted in Albania in June 2021.

Additionally, as a next step in supporting the enhancement of capacities of the authorities, funds have been allocated for the procurement of the equipment and related training assessed as needed.

These activities are being organised with the support provided through the EU Council Decision 2019/2111 in support of arms control activities in South East Europe in the framework of the EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition, as well as in the framework of the Support for Enhancing the Fight Against the Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans project, funded by the European Union.