a- 26 new border police and customs agents graduate with the Italian Guardia di Finanza

HERAT, Afghanistan (May 6) – Twenty-six new agents of the Afghan Border Police and Customs Police received their graduation certificates today during a ceremony held by Task Force Grifo, the specialised unit of the Italian Guardia di Finanza in Regional Command West.The training of Afghan security forces responsible for border security and customs is one of the tasks assigned to the Guardia di Finanza troops. In 2006, Italy – one of the few countries that have a Police Corps specializing in the field of border control and customs and in the fight against smuggling and tax evasion - made available a task force. Since then, Task Force Grifo, with a specialized training program, has trained more than 600 Afghan agents of Afghan border police, Customs Police and officials of the Afghanistan Customs Administration.

The Western region of Afghanistan and in particular the province of Herat, which falls within the area of responsibility for the Italian-led ISAF command, has always been considered the most economically vital area of the country. The presence of more than 800 small and medium-sized enterprises active in the construction industry, textile, agribusiness and plastics are part of the reason. The border with Iran is also an important trade area for large volumes of goods because strong cultural and commercial exist between the two countries and for the access roads to the Persian Gulf.

For these reasons, an efficient border and customs police are a priority for the Afghan Government. Control of goods and people across the border represents not only a security concern, but also a major aspect of the economic development of the country.

In fact, the collection of customs dues, is one of the main tax revenues for Afghanistan. 40% of all revenue of the Afghan State comes from customs duties. Furthermore, 26% of these resources is collected by the Herat Directorate General of Customs. This agency has the highest customs revenue in Afghanistan, followed by Jalalabad and Mazar.

Because of the importance to the Afghan people, the courses organized by the Guardia di Finanza include several aspects of customs and border protection. Courses include criminal law, police powers, customs, dealing with contraband and measures against the illegal export of capital. In addition, trainers instruct agents trainees on concepts of international law and civic culture, as well as on legislation against corruption of public officials.

Beside theoretical lessons, Afghan agents receive practical training on police tactics. The trainers have courses focusing on roadside checks and vehicle inspections.

The programs are designed in close cooperation between the Guardia di Finanza and local officials responsible for the Afghan Border Police and the Afghanistan Customs Administration. The cooperation helps optimize and standardize the preparation of the personnel from both Afghan agencies to provide the best training for security and development throughout the country.