Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – The 10th ASEAN Working Group Meeting on Narcotics Control in Seaports, hosted by Myanmar, was held online yesterday in the conference room of the former director's office of the Narcotics Control Department of the Myanmar Police Force (Bukhai) in Naypyidaw.
At the meeting, the head of the International Relations Department of the Narcotics Control Division of the Myanmar Police Force highlighted the rapid evolution of the current drug and synthetic drug situation. He pointed out that recent arrests show that drug trafficking gangs are increasingly using encrypted communication systems and digital platforms to conduct criminal activities, requiring countries to upgrade their prevention and law enforcement procedures to adapt to the needs of modern narcotics control. At the same time, since precursor chemicals are mostly transported through seaports, strengthening chemical control at major ports is crucial; and the core role of seaports in regional trade and international connectivity also makes them easy targets for cross-border drug trafficking gangs. Therefore, he emphasized that ASEAN member states need to strengthen cooperation to jointly safeguard seaport security.
The official further stated that Myanmar will continue to deepen joint narcotics control operations with ASEAN member states, focusing on seaport security and trade control. He urged member states to strengthen mutual trust by improving port operational efficiency and ensuring timely and smooth information exchange; at the same time, to accelerate the construction of port inspection stations and continue efforts to achieve the common goal of a drug-free ASEAN region.
The meeting was chaired by a delegation led by Lieutenant Colonel Aung Kyaw Oo of the Myanmar Maritime Police Department, with representatives from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat in attendance. During the meeting, member states introduced their current drug situation, discussed the progress of the ASEAN Port Anti-Drug Task Force, and put forward specific suggestions on the future direction of regional anti-drug cooperation.
