Andina

EU commits US$14 million for fight against drugs and organized crime in Peru

14:35 | Lima, Sep. 18.

The European Union (EU) will allocate €12 million (about US$14 million) to strengthen Peru's policies against organized crime and drug-trafficking.

The agreement was signed by representatives of the European Union, Peru's State-run National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Devida), Agency for International Cooperation (APCI), and Interior Ministry.

This covenant will provide financing for 60 months from the EU —between the operational and assessment phases— aimed at strengthening the professional training of police members, prosecutors, and judges.

Furthermore, this agreement will facilitate and help plan the cooperation among public institutions that investigate crime, besides supporting the Peruvian Observatory on Drugs (OPD). 

Within this framework, Interior Minister Mauro Medina highlighted the contribution made by the EU to support Peru. 

He went on to add one of the main axes of the accord is the professional training and the improvement of inter-institutional coordination. 

"(…) professional training is a valuable opportunity to improve the sustainability of acquired knowledge and for the necessary police specialization," the official indicated. 

On the other hand, EU Ambassador Diego Mellado pointed out this agreement reaffirms the European Union's commitment to supporting the frontal fight against drug-trafficking and organized crime

"Since 2014 we have been working with governmental organizations on the professional training of police members, attorneys, prosecutors, and judges," he expressed. 

The accord —signed for €12 million (US$14 million)— will be expanded to €17 million (US$19.88 million) given the issue's relevance.

The officials were joined by representatives Eduardo Sal y Rosas (APCI) and Fidel Pintado (Devida) on the occasion.

(END) NDP/DTK/MVB

Published: 9/18/2018