Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted INTERPOL regional training

(Patria) - Organized by the General Secretariat of INTERPOL and the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH – NCB Interpol Sarajevo, a regional training aimed at strengthening the capacities of police officers in the identification, tracking, and investigation of illegal firearms trafficking was held in Sarajevo from May 13 to 15, 2026.

Special emphasis was placed on the practical application of INTERPOL tools and procedures. Around 40 participants from Europe and Central Asia attended the training. Participants were introduced to the application of INTERPOL's firearms tracing protocol, which provides guidelines for collecting operational and intelligence data from seized firearms, the Directorate announced.

Furthermore, current trends and methods of committing firearms-related offenses were discussed, including new threats and smuggling methods. This regional training is an additional opportunity for police officers from Europe and Central Asia to get acquainted and strengthen international cooperation networks in the fight against illegal firearms trafficking and all forms of organized crime related to its use.

The goal is to contribute to strengthening security and stability, both in the region and beyond, through improving knowledge, exchanging experiences, coordinated action, and mutual cooperation.

During the opening of the training, Deputy Director Goran Amidžić addressed the attendees on behalf of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH, welcoming the participants. Among other things, he emphasized the importance of a joint approach and international police cooperation in combating illegal arms trafficking and highlighted Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment in this regard. He also thanked the representatives of the INTERPOL General Secretariat for their efforts in organizing this event in Sarajevo, as well as for the long-standing partnership and successful cooperation.

Amina Mašović, representative of the INTERPOL General Secretariat, highlighted INTERPOL's support and commitment to the inter-regional fight against smuggling and trafficking of weapons from conflict zones, using INTERPOL tools and databases.