ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-AO-023
Feature News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 7) - Twenty-six new Afghan Border Police and Customs Police agents received their graduation certificates yesterday during a ceremony in Herat Province.

Training of Afghan security forces responsible for border security and customs is one of the tasks assigned to the Italian Guardia di Finanza troops. In 2006, Italy made a task force available specializing in the field of border control and customs in the fight against smuggling and tax evasion. Since then, Task Force Grifo, with a specialized training program, has trained more than 600 Afghan Border Police, Customs Police agents and Afghanistan Customs Administration officials. An efficient border and customs police force is a priority for the Afghan Government. Controlling the movement 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.

Herat Province is critical to the economically vital area of the country. The presence of more than 800 small and medium construction, textile, agribusiness and plastics enterprises is part of the reason. The border with Iran also makes it an important trade area for large volumes of goods. There are strong cultural and commercial ties between the two countries, and there are access roads to the Persian Gulf.

The collection of customs dues is one of the main tax revenues for Afghanistan. Forty percent of all revenue for Afghanistan comes from customs duties. Furthermore, 26 percent of these resources are collected by the Herat Directorate General of Customs. This agency has the highest customs revenue in Afghanistan, followed by Jalalabad and Mazar.

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 agent 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 and provides training for security and development throughout the country.

Photos: Afghan Border Police, Customs Agents Graduate in West