Press Release

 

Venice, Italy – 9 June 2026

Senior law enforcement officials, judicial authorities, policy experts, researchers and security practitioners from across Europe gathered in Venice today for the ARIEN Workshop, a major international event focused on strengthening cooperation, innovation and policy responses to combat illicit drug production, trafficking and organised crime.

Held at the Venice Local Police Headquarters as part of the EU-funded ARIEN project (Artificial Intelligence in Fighting Illicit Drugs Production and Trafficking), the workshop brought together representatives from law enforcement agencies, prosecution offices, Europol, international organisations and EU-funded security research projects to discuss emerging criminal threats and technological solutions.

Organised by AGF, the event focused on enhancing operational cooperation, improving the use of technology and artificial intelligence in criminal investigations, and developing evidence-based policy recommendations to support European efforts against drug trafficking and organised crime.

Discussions examined evolving drug supply chains, criminal modus operandi and the increasing use of digital technologies by organised crime groups. Participants shared operational experiences and project findings, highlighting emerging trends, investigative challenges and technological gaps affecting law enforcement agencies across Europe.

The workshop also showcased innovative approaches to technology exploitation and multi-agency cooperation, including the role of intelligence analysis, risk assessment frameworks and collaborative platforms that support law enforcement authorities, judicial actors and analysts in addressing complex criminal threats.

A dedicated policy session brought together representatives  from law enforcement authorities, prosecution services and international organisations to discuss recommendations for strengthening European policies and operational frameworks against drug trafficking. Participants exchanged views on future prioritier for fostering cross-border cooperation and strengthening collective efforts against evolving criminal threats. Discussions underscored the need to enhance judicial cooperation, improve information sharing among relevant stakeholders, and promote the effective use of advanced technologies in criminal investigations, contributing to a stronger and more coordinated European response to organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.

“Organised crime groups have consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt their structures, methods and activities to evolving societal and technological realities,” said Mr. Pietro Suchan, former PM DDA of Tuscany, Head Prosecutor of Lucca and Eurojust Prosecutor. “While advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, can significantly enhance the capabilities of law enforcement and judicial authorities, their full potential can only be realised through a strong judicial cooperation at both national and international levels. Instruments such as Joint Investigation Teams are a key tool for facilitating cross-border cooperation, enabling the timely sharing of information and the coordination of investigative actions against transnational organised crime”

The Venice workshop also highlighted synergies between ARIEN and other EU-funded initiatives, including ARMADILLO and PHYGITAL-OC, reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering innovation, knowledge exchange and coordinated actions against evolving criminal threats, while contributing to a stronger and more coherent European response to organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.

ENDS