Targeting criteria for controls and collection of customs and police information

1) OBJECTIVE

More integrated use of customs and police information for efficient planning of law enforcement measures in combating drug trafficking.

2) ACT

Joint Action 97/372/JHA of 9 June 1997 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, for the refining of targeting criteria, selection methods, etc., and collection of customs and police information [Official Journal L 159 of 17.6.1997].

3) SUMMARY

Member States' customs authorities must strive to optimise the use of targeting criteria and structured selection methods, and the collection of customs and police information on the combating of drug trafficking. For this purpose they must take the measures set out at points 2 to 8, within existing judicial and practical possibilities.

Member States' customs authorities should make more intensive use of information available from all business sectors concerned, notably the transport sector.

They should step up the mutual exchange of intelligence and information for the purpose of risk analysis by making greater use of the CIS (customs information system) electronic mailbox system, pending the operational development of the CIS database.

They should make greater use of all available European customs information systems regarding sea-, air-, land traffic and others (e. g. AIR-Info, BALKAN-Info, CARGO-Info, MAR-Info, YACHT-Info).

They should improve targeting procedures by organising international joint customs surveillance operations, as provided for in the revised arrangements on this area approved by the Council of 29 November 1996. Participation in such operations by third countries should be encouraged, where appropriate.

Member States' customs, police and other law enforcement authorities should, as far as possible, intensify mutual exchanges of available intelligence and information. This should apply at national, European Union and international level and also include European Union and international institutions.

Member States' law enforcement authorities should, where appropriate, analyse the intelligence and information available.

Member States' customs authorities should draw up guidelines for best practice to encourage greater use of risk analysis techniques.

Last updated: 07.10.2005