CEPOL strengthens training capacities to counter firearms trafficking in Egypt

Law enforcement officials from Egypt gathered in Cairo from 31 May to 4 June 2026 for a Train-the-Trainers (TtT) course on firearms trafficking organised by CEPOL under the EUROMED Police project. The course forms part of a broader capacity-building programme aimed at creating a pool of accredited trainers capable of strengthening national responses to firearms trafficking.

Illicit firearms trafficking remains a significant security threat in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), facilitating organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism. In response, the TtT programme seeks to strengthen both operational expertise and training capacities, ensuring that knowledge can be sustainably transferred within law enforcement institutions.

The activity was delivered with the support of the Egyptian Ministry of Interior, being hosted by the International Drug Control Training Centre of the Anti-Narcotics General Administration and benefited from the engagement of the EMPACT Firearms and Explosives Operational Action Plan (OAP). During the course, participants enhanced their skills in planning, designing and delivering training activities, while exploring innovative learning methods and technology-based training tools. 

The programme will continue with multiplication courses at national level, delivered by the participants, contributing to the long-term integration of specialised firearms trafficking training within national training systems.

The activity forms part of the EUROMED Police project’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and capacities across the Southern Neighbourhood in addressing serious and organised crime.