In past years there has been massive chemical weapon misuse by non-state actors (particularly ISIL) and there is a growing threat anywhere in the world. Therefore the main focus for OPCW in the future will be on non-state actors. The Countering Chemical Terrorism (CCT) Conference this June was the first ever organized by the OPCW on this topic.
Europol and OPCW have shared interests and will cooperate in CCT. Europol and OPCW are already cooperating on these issues. Note that internet sales are a big issue for Interpol. Peter Newport attended the meeting on behalf of CBA and ICTA
In past years there has been massive chemical weapon misuse by non-state actors (particularly ISIL) and there is a growing threat anywhere in the world. Therefore the main focus for OPCW in the future will be on non-state actors. The Countering Chemical Terrorism (CCT) Conference this June was the first ever organized by the OPCW on this topic.
Europol and OPCW have shared interests and will cooperate in CCT. Europol and OPCW are already cooperating on these issues. Note that internet sales are a big issue for Interpol. Peter Newport attended the meeting on behalf of CBA and ICTA.
It was noted that many terrorists try to acquire precursors and regularly succeed: 46 countries have seen incidents since 1990. The lone actor is the most frequent perpetrator, but terrorist organizations such as Al-Queda are also a threat. Transnational criminal groups (drug cartels) could evolve into a future threat vector based on chemical expertise derived from illicit drug synthesis. Insider threat of disillusioned chemical sector employees are also of concern.
There is also a threat of non-state actors targeting chemical facility, which could have huge consequences. OPCW indicated it can help with physical and personnel security of chemical sites in developing countries.
A speaker from BASF explained how the company adopts a preventative risk management approach, including for security, plus proportionate risk management measures are deployed. BASF also works with its logistics and distributor companies to ensure their own requirements are complimented by their partners.