The Thai Minister of Justice and the delegates from four Mekong nations have launched the Safe Mekong Coordination Center (SMCC) as a centre to prosecute and block illegal drug smuggling in the region.
A Narcotics Control Board officer demonstrates how information on the Mekong River is tracked after the opening of the Safe Mekong Coordination Centre in Chiang Mai on January 15. (Credit: chiangraitimes.com)
The Minister of Justice Gen. Paiboon Koomchaya officiated over the establishment of the SMCC along with the personnel from Thailand’s Narcotics Control Board and delegates from China, Laos, and Myanmar.
The SMCC has been established to continue the international cooperation on suppressing the drug network in the Mekong region.
It will act as the informant centre for drugs in each nation. Their data and information will be considered by the anti-drugs agencies that will operate to suppress and eliminate the core drug network.
The Minister of Justice said that solving illegal drug issues will requires co-operation from other countries.
He added that he will have the discussion with the delegates from three other nations today about solutions for drugs issues and the suppression of drugs dealers, as well as the operations in the drugs infested areas.
The Minister of Justice also mentioned that he is scheduled to have a multilateral meeting in late February with India, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia to seek a solution to drug related issues, especially for the elimination of the manufacturing base and drug ingredients in the region.
NDO/VNA
