DILI, 30 june 2023 (TATOLI)—Ministry of Finance through the Commissioner of the National Customs Agency, José António Fatima Abílio, said that currently, the National Customs Agency is cooperating with the International Customs organization to prevent the distribution of illegal drugs in Timor-Leste.
“Timor Leste has become a member of the International Customs organization, so all applicable laws regarding illegal drugs are almost the same as international law for the prevention of illegal drug transactions,” said Commissioner of the Customs Authority José Abílio, to Tatoli in his office Aitarak – Laran Dili.
José Abilio said cooperating with international organizations and Customs Authority often communicates with foreign agencies, such as Indonesia, Singapore, or Malaysia if suspected illegal drugs are entering Timor-Leste.
“International Customs Authorities such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries always provide us with information about suspected illegal drugs entering Timor-Leste. Based on their information, our intelligence performs a quick cross-check to prevent illegal transactions drugs at the border and carry out maximum surveillance of people suspected of being in Timor-Leste,” he said
In addition, to prevent illegal drugs, Timor Leste Customs and Excise will also check the profiles of companies that carry out commercial activities in Timor Leste.
“With international cooperation in 2023, the Customs Authority has yet to detect someone transacting prohibited products or goods in Timor Leste,” he added.
The obstacle faced by Customs and Excise so far in controlling the distribution of illegal drugs is the lack of transportation facilities, control facilities, human resources, and others in carrying out maximum supervision at the border.
Currently, Timor – Leste Customs Authority is also working with the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (PNSIC) to carry out maximum supervision of drug cases in Timor – Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia B.
