June 27, 2011 (Montreal, QC) – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Customs Organization (WCO) that will give a significant boost to the fight against doping in sport. The MOU was signed at the WCO’s Brussels headquarters on Friday, June 24 and will foster co-operation in activities of common interest in the areas of anti-doping and the trafficking of doping substances within the organizations’ respective mandates.

It will include co-operation in the collection, storage and exchange of information, the setting up of information sessions and seminars, and cross-organization alerts on trends observed in the areas of anti-doping and the trafficking of doping substances.

The MOU further supports the national and international anti-doping measures referred to in the UNESCO ‘International Convention against Doping in Sport’, which to date has been ratified by 159 member states.

“This MOU is a significant development for WADA as it will enable the agency to increase intelligence on upstream perpetrators involved in doping activities, the illegal organizations and individuals that provide doping substances to the sporting world,” said WADA Director General David Howman.

“We are grateful to the WCO for their commitment to the fight against doping in sport. The partnership sends out another very clear message that there is strong unity amongst agencies across the world to eradicate all forms of doping – not just for the sake of sport, but for the health and well being of society as a whole.”

The partnership will also encourage the implementation of relevant legislation in all WCO member countries to enable customs officers to fight against the trafficking of doping substances.

“The WCO is committed to working with its international partners to combat all forms of illicit trade, including the trade in illegal, counterfeit and unlicensed pharmaceutical products,” said WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya.

“This MOU will facilitate relations between WADA and the WCO, provide us with a concrete basis for further cooperation, contribute to a healthier and safer international sporting environment, and encourage Customs administrations in meeting one of their core aims, namely, the protection of society.”