June 11, Colombo: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Programme has conducted a regional training program on vessel board, search and seizure techniques for Navy and Coast Guard personnel at the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) Headquarters and Sober Island, Trincomalee.

Following the successful conclusion of the Visit Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) Regional Training Course the certifications were awarded to the participants on 09th June 2023 at the Malima Sober Island Resort, Trincomalee. Stuart Melville, the Chief Instructor of the UNODC training team presented the certificates to the participants.

This training program is held under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC–GMCP), with the aim of combating illegal drug trafficking and other crimes carried out via sea routes.

Since 04th May 2016, the Sri Lanka Navy has supported this program, by conducting VBSS Courses at the SBS Headquarters.

Commenced on 29th May 2023, the recently concluded VBSS Regional Training Course was held for 06 officers of the Sri Lanka Navy, 02 officers and 04 sailors of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and 02 officers and 06 sailors of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.