Vientiane: The border guard command of Vietnam’s central province of Quang Tri, in collaboration with the military command and public security department of Laos’s Khammouane province, executed a joint exercise on September 15 to tackle drug trafficking and transport offenders armed with weapons crossing the Vietnam-Laos border.
According to Lao News Agency, this operation, led by Major General Vo Tien Nghi, Deputy Commander of the Vietnam Border Guard, served as a testament to the enduring solidarity and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. It highlighted the strong coordination between the two nations’ border protection forces in managing borders and combating crime.
Nghi noted that over recent years, the Vietnam Border Guard and Laos’s law enforcement agencies have actively engaged in information exchange, coordinated patrols, and joint efforts to combat crime. These activities have been crucial in maintaining border stability and fostering socio-economic development for communities on both sides.
Despite these efforts, cross-border crimes, particularly drug trafficking, continue to pose challenges. Criminals exploit the difficult terrain, border gates, and trails to facilitate their operations. When confronted, they often resort to using weapons against law enforcement. This ongoing threat underscores the need for enhanced cooperation among the forces to effectively combat and prevent such crimes.
The joint exercise was structured in three phases with six training scenarios. These scenarios demonstrated the capabilities of the law enforcement forces from both countries, emphasizing their ability to advise, command, and coordinate in situations involving armed cross-border drug crime.
In recognition of the collaborative efforts, the Quang Tri People’s Committee provided 1 billion VND (38,514 USD) to the Khammouane Military Command for purchasing equipment and support tools.
