The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) participated in the Post-Operational Meeting for Operation Azure II for Caribbean countries, which was held on 16 September 2025, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2021, Operation Azure is a global initiative aimed at equipping criminal justice operators with the tools and expertise to detect, investigate and prosecute cases involving synthetic opioids. The first phase engaged 12 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa, resulting in over 125 seizures totalling more than 480 kg of drugs and 18 arrests.

Building on this success, Operation Azure II was launched in 2023 with the participation of Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Honduras, and Uruguay (Latin America); The Bahamas, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean); and Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo (West Africa). Implemented in coordination with UNODC’s AIRCOP Programme and the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Section, the second phase focussed on intercepting synthetic drugs trafficked via postal and courier services and applying special investigative techniques, such as controlled deliveries.

The objective of the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive debriefing on the Global Operation Azure II, with a strong focus on sharing concrete results and operational outcomes. The session provided an opportunity to identify lessons learned, analyse key challenges encountered, and assess the overall impact of the operation. It also aimed to strengthen international cooperation, explore opportunities for post-seizure actions and define strategic priorities for a potential third phase of the operation.

The post-operational meeting brought together Operation Azure II national team leaders and other relevant stakeholders and also provided a platform to examine emerging trends in synthetic drug trafficking and explore global responses to this evolving threat.

During the debriefing session, UNODC took the opportunity to conduct short on-camera interviews with selected participants as part of a documentary video highlighting the achievements, challenges and impact of Operation Azure II. These interviews capture key insights and reflections from frontline actors involved in the operation.

Two similar sessions were held in Brazil (for Latin American countries) and Togo (for West African countries) on 4 and 11 September 2025, respectively.