BASES STEP UP ANTI-SMUGGLING EFFORTS

BRITISH bases and Cyprus police have just completed an intelligence course
to strengthen the clamp-down on smuggling from the north, the bases said
yesterday.

"In order to ensure the boundary is effectively patrolled, it is of vital
importance that SBA units forge a strong relationship with local forces,"
an announcement from the bases said.

The course targeted data analysis, car search, risk assessment and other
skills needed effectively to patrol the crossing points through the bases.
Ten officers, two from the Cyprus police, three from SBA customs and five
from the SBA police took part in the course.

Last month, the bases recruited 12 new members to their customs team to
combat the increase in smuggling.

Since crossing restrictions were lifted in April this year, bases officials
have seized more than 350,000 cigarettes, plus beer, spirits and commercial
goods, such as mobile phones and DVD players.

But the biggest concern is the potential for serious drugs smuggling at the
crossing points of Pergamos and Strovilia, which are within bases jurisdiction.

"With the addition of 12 new staff employed at the Pergamos crossing point
last month, the SBA have sent out a clear message to anyone intent on
smuggling illegal goods into the south," the announcement yesterday said.

Brian Collins, an international trainer and intelligence team leader in the
UK was positive about the inroads made during the first joint intelligence
course. "I am very impressed with the way the SBA police, Customs and
Cyprus police have worked together during this course," he said. "I am
confident that. you will see big changes in the way smuggling is dealt with."

Collins said part of the course involved being able to tell which kinds of
vehicles were better for smuggling and to be aware of these when they
approached the checkpoints.

"There are many other tactics that these people use and by briefing
everyone on them, it will make it easier to carry out a full risk
assessment at the scene," he said.