On 16 October 2023, OLAF informed of the results of Operation NOXIA that brought together European and Asian partners. The Operation targeted deep-sea containers in EU and Asian ports in a bid to prevent dangerous substances from being smuggled. It was part of ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) – an intergovernmental discussion forum that comprises 53 European and Asian states. At the 13th ASEM meeting in 2019, state representatives agreed on implementing joint customs operations in order to combat the illicit trade in dangerous substances.

Operation NOXIA was carried out in spring 2023 and focused on the illegal trade in pesticides and cigarettes headed from Asia to Europe as well as waste shipments from Europe to Asia. Operation Noxia resulted in the seizure of over 1221 tonnes of illicit waste, nearly 27,500 litres and 5 tonnes of illicit pesticides as well as over 67 million cigarettes and 10 tonnes of tobacco.

OLAF was the main coordinator of the joint customs operation. OLAF planned the Operation, analysed its results, provided a safe communication IT environment for information sharing, analysed intelligence and brought together the responsible liaison officers. Supported was also received by EUROPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO).