Five Pakistani Customs officials and one Federal Investigation Agency official recently returned from a study tour to Washington, D.C. and San Diego, California, hosted by the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Section and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The tour focused on securing and managing land-border crossings.

The Pakistani delegation visited U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) headquarters in Washington, D.C. and the HSI field office in San Diego, California to see how DHS agencies manage high-volume land-border crossings. At a visit to the San Ysidro port of entry in California, Pakistani visitors studied interdiction and investigation techniques, task force dynamics, and possible best practices for major land-border points of entry in Pakistan, including along the border with Afghanistan.

“The U.S. government is committed to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to reduce illicit activity on the border, while increasing regional stability, trade, and prosperity,” Embassy INL Director Jason Donovan said. “We look forward to continuing our longstanding cooperation with Pakistani law enforcement to enhance the capacity of personnel operating on the border.”

For almost 40 years, the United States and Pakistan have worked to improve citizen security and enhance police capacity across Pakistan. The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement works in more than 90 countries to help combat crime and corruption; counter the narcotics trade; improve police institutions; and promote fair and accountable court systems.