UNODC - United Nations Office

Published purpose

AIRCOP is a multi-agency project implemented by UNODC in partnership with INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO). It aims at strengthening the capacities of international airports to target and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo and mail, as a contribution to the fight against illicit drugs and other illicit commodities (such as wildlife products or falsified medical products), terrorism-related threats (such as arms or potential foreign terrorist fighters), trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. It also aims at facilitating communication and coordination between origin, transit and destination countries to disrupt cross-border illicit flows and criminal networks. Based on the fundamental idea of information sharing and trust building, adaptable to the evolution of trafficking routes and the emergence of newly trafficked commodities, AIRCOP is continuously expanding across the globe as a key element of border management and security. Through its support to the efficient management of international airports and by virtue of the nexus existing between peace, security and development, AIRCOP also participates in the social and economic development of the countries and regions in which it operates.