Specialized INTERPOL training program was held at the Training Center “Mitrovo Polje” on Mount Goč. The program was designed for police officers from 18 countries worldwide and focused on detecting and dismantling illegal laboratories for drug and precursor production, combating drug trafficking, and learning about new trends in narcotics production.
International Cooperation and Academic Support
The training gathered representatives of police forces from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, giving the event a strong international character. The UCIPS was represented by Prof. Dr. Ivana Bjelovuk, Prof. Dr. Jelena Lamovec, and Prof. Dr. Ana Branković. Participants were welcomed by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Nenad Radović, while the program was officially opened by the Rector of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Prof. Dr. Zoran Đurđević.
Theory and Practice in Combating Drugs
The training sessions were led by instructors from Serbia’s NTIL team, under the leadership of Saša Gajić. Over ten days, participants went through a dynamic program that included:
- demonstrations of basic laboratory equipment and safety procedures,
- identification of psychoactive substances and precursors,
- methods of producing amphetamines, MDMA, TATP, and methamphetamines,
- cannabis cultivation and cannabis oil extraction,
- practical exercises in surveillance and entering illegal laboratories, including operations under night conditions.
A special highlight was the final exercise, during which participants applied everything they had learned, from intelligence gathering to simulating the dismantling of an illegal laboratory.
Cultural and Human Dimension
Alongside the demanding training, participants had the opportunity to explore local heritage and gastronomy by visiting the Monastery of St. Vrači, the Čokot winery, and an organic food production facility near Brus.
Continuing Collaboration
Even after the program concluded, participants have remained in contact through a joint WhatsApp group, where they continue to exchange experiences, advice, and professional insights from their home countries. This ongoing virtual connection has proven to be a valuable extension of the training itself.
Evaluation and Next Steps
On the final day, participants evaluated both their progress and the quality of the program. They emphasized that the combination of theory and practical exercises, along with the exchange of international experiences, significantly contributed to their professional development. Notably, many expressed a strong interest in attending the next, more advanced level of training in the future, further strengthening international cooperation in the fight against organized crime.
