VIENTIANE: With drug trafficking and human smuggling on the rise, law enforcement teams from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand undertook their 154th joint Mekong River patrol last week, reinforcing a growing security alliance that has already dismantled several criminal networks.
On June 24, security personnel from the four countries gathered at the Laos-China Coordination Centre in Tonpheung district, Bokeo province, led by a delegation of officials from the border regions of the four nations.
The joint river patrol is another significant step under the 154th Joint Patrol and Cooperation Law, according to the Public Security Office of Bokeo province.
Previously, there was no formal mechanism to enforce this law or conduct coordinated patrols between the four countries.
The region faces numerous challenges, including terrorism, banditry, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, hostage-taking and other forms of cross-border crime.
These issues have made the situation in the northern Mekong River border area complex and difficult in terms of law and order and the maintenance of security.
In response, a joint law enforcement and patrol mechanism involving all four countries was established, with China taking the initiative in its implementation.
Close coordination between Laos, China, Myanmar and Thailand has led to significant progress in combatting and suppressing criminal activities in the region.
Law enforcement efforts have resulted in the dismantling of several criminal networks, the seizure and destruction of large quantities of drugs, and the arrest and prosecution of drug traffickers.
Thanks to the consistent and determined efforts of authorities, the Mekong River Basin now enjoys greater peace, stability and security. People from all ethnic groups are able to live more peacefully and villages have undergonedevelopment through improved travel, trade and river navigation that is now safer and more reliable.
These successes reflect the strong cooperation in law enforcement among the four countries. They also mark a significant improvement in border security through effective coordination and enforcement of joint patrol laws.
With continued mutual support, guided by a spirit of solidarity, friendship and enhanced cooperation between the neighbouring countries’ border defence forces, law enforcement teams are moving forward, day by day, to build a border of lasting peace. - Vientiane Times/ANN
