An overview of International Drug Enforcement Conference in the Asia-Pacific (Photo: VNA)The forum attractsover 100 delegates from 18 countries and territories and twointernational organisations: the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
C04 Director Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Van Viensaid that Vietnam is under great pressure due to drug supply from the "GoldenTriangle", a region where the jungle borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmarmeet. In the trend of integration and globalisation, drug crime activities inthe Asia-Pacific and around the world also have a certain impact on thecountry.
With the perspective of preventing and controllingdrugs from afar and early, from the origin, and not letting Vietnambecome an international drug transit area, the C04 has promoted cooperationwith bordering countries and ASEAN member states, Vien said, adding that Vietnam highly values experiences in drug control and the application of science andtechnology in drug prevention and combat of the US and other developedcountries in the region; and hopes to continue coordinating with othercountries to improve capacity, share experiences, and exchange professionalinformation, equipment and facilities for drug prevention and combat forces inthe coming time.
During the two-day conference, whichincludes plenary and group discussions, delegates are expected to assess thesituation and emerging developments of drug crimes in the region, as well as difficulties,obstacles, and solutions to improve cooperation efficiency in the face ofincreasingly sophisticated and cunning drug smuggling methods; and providelists and records of drug criminals and wanted ones.
Susan Burns, US Consul General in Ho ChiMinh City, said that every year in the US, more than 100,000 people die fromdrug-related causes. Therefore, preventing and combating drug crimes is notjust the job of each nation, but requires cooperation between relatedcountries.
John P. Scott, Asia-Pacific RegionalDirector at the DEA, proposed countries strengthen collaboration in trainingand joint exercises to effectively address drug-related issues and build asafer community.
This is the second time Vietnam and the UShave coordinated to hold the Mini-IDEC, demonstrating Vietnam's internationalrole and responsibility in solving the global drug problem for the Far East in general and the US in particular, contributing to raising itsposition and strong political commitment to cooperation on the drug fight in the region and the world over./.
VNA
