Port Control Unit (PCU)

PCU is an integral part of Pakistan Custom's effort in combating transnational crime and terrorism in relation with the World Custom's Organisation (WCO), INTERPOL, and United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC). The PCU's inception was laid forth by a joint effort between WCO and INTERPOL through the Container Control Programme (CCP) to create units located in sensitive regions around the world after conducting successful operations in South America to combat trafficking of precursor chemicals in 2002 (UNODC, INTERPOL, & WCO, 2010).
Currently, PCUs have been established in seaports of Karachi, Port Qasim and a number of inland dry ports (UNODC, 2007). The PCU is an inter-agency organisation, which comprises of analysts from different disciplines, especially individuals from law enforcement agencies (eg Customs, Police). These individuals are trained and equipped to work together systematically to target high risk containers for professional law enforcement inquiry using risk analysis and other counteractive measures without hindering the flow of legitimate trade. The PCU consists of members from all disciples who can work together to provide a seamless unit deterring the import and export of potentially catastrophic substances.
The main goal of the PCUs in Pakistan is to prevent illicit use of containers, including possible acts of terrorisms and facilitate legitimate trade. Four PCUs have already been established at Port Qasim and Karachi port. These PCUs have been equipped with all the necessary equipment as well as fully trained officials. Fully operational since June 2009, the four PCUs have been able to carry out several operations which have greatly damaged illicit activity in Pakistan. The results for these PCUs have been very encouraging during and after training and the PCU team has played a vital role in a number of seizures.
Details some of the major seizures that have been made by Pakistan Custom's through the CCP since 2009 are outlined below:
--- Seizure of 2.5 kilograms of heroin in Colombo
--- Seizure of 146 kilograms of heroin in China
--- Seizure of 60 tons poppy seeds in export consignment which were misdeclared
--- Seizure of 70 tons of lentils in export consignment which were misdeclared
--- Seizure of 1.5 tons of hashish in Antwerp
--- Seizure of 90 kilograms of heroin at Karachi which were misdeclared and concealed
--- Seizure of 1800 litres of hydrogen peroxide in imports which were misdeclared
--- Seizure of 226 kilograms of cocaine in imports which were misdeclared and concealed
--- Seizure of 245 kilograms of ephedrine in exports which were misdeclared and concealed
--- Seizure of 70 kilograms of heroin in the United Kingdom
The working of the PCU is based on use of artificial and human intelligence for profiling of high risk shipments in exports/imports. The officials based in the PCU use their skills imparted through the trainings while using online resources and their practical experience to identify and target high risk shipments. The PCU also has the ability to serve various functions within Pakistan Customs which includes serving as the regional hub for training the Customs, and ANF staff. They have also played a vital role in trainings the Afghan Law Enforcement Officers on three separate occasions in Karachi under the Container Control Programme. In addition to this, the Pakistani PCU has also arranged training Programmes for the law enforcement officers of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in connection with the Container Control Programme. To ensure that the PCU unit continues to grow in Pakistan, the officers attend a plethora of training programs themselves, which resulted in two of the officers of PCU Karachi in becoming accredited by the World Customs Organisation this year which adds great value to the already impressive human resource present. In the spirit of sharing expertise and knowledge to better equip others to face challenges posed by illicit trade, these accredited individuals are taking a lead role in the Advance Interdiction Training in Strategic Trade Controls and visited Turkey to train from Pakistan Customs, ANF and Turkish Law Enforcement Agencies including Turkish Customs.
The PCU is able to perform risk analysis, cargo inspection, undergo information exchange through various mechanisms, conduct port seizure investigations and aid in trade facilitation. The PCU has the ability to conduct inter-agency container profiling which allows the unit to undergo information exchange with counterparts in other departments from all over the world using the WCO's communication application, ContainerComm which allows for the exchange of sensitive information amongst authorised countries.