A ceremony marking the handover of specialized equipment procured through the project “Law Enforcement Agencies’ Development in the Area of Small Arms and Light Weapons Control in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (LEAD), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was held at the premises of the Indirect Taxation Authority in Banja Luka.

The ceremony was attended by UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Renaud Meyer and Director of the Indirect Taxation Authority Zoran Tegeltija, who signed a document transferring ownership of the equipment from UNDP to the Indirect Taxation Authority.

The procured equipment forms part of UNDP’s continued support to the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening capacities for more effective control of small arms and light weapons, prevention of illicit trade and suppression of other forms of cross-border crime.

As the institution responsible for carrying out customs controls, the Indirect Taxation Authority has a key role in protecting the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina and detecting illicit movement of goods, including the smuggling of weapons, explosive devices, narcotics and other security-risk consignments. Modern security challenges require continuous improvement of the operational and technical capacities of the competent institutions, and the new equipment will further strengthen the ability of Indirect Taxation Authority officers to respond effectively to complex forms of cross-border crime.

The LEAD project is implemented with the financial support of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Sweden, the French Republic, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Norway, as well as with the general support of the European Union, through the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund for the implementation of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition and explosives in the Western Balkans by 2030.

Today’s handover of equipment confirms the shared commitment of UNDP and the Indirect Taxation Authority to strengthening institutional capacities, improving the safety of citizens and ensuring a more effective response to the security challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.