CLV ministers discuss ways to step up drug prevention, control

The trilateral and bilateral cooperation mechanisms between the three countries have been proving effective since its establishment in 1998, said Vietnamese Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam, who is also Vice Chairman of the National Committee on AIDS, Drugs and Prostitution Prevention and Control.

He called on the three countries to strengthen coordination and promote internal resources while optimising external support to prevent drugs, especially cross-border drug trafficking.

The minister suggested improving public awareness raising campaigns and strengthening capacity of anti-drug forces, stressing that the trilateral coordination will be an important factor to ensure successful prevention and control of drugs in each country.

The three countries agreed to focus all efforts on realising the goal of protecting the ASEAN Community against illicit drugs in 2016-2025 without tolerating drugs and accepting the legalisation of drug use.

They vowed to persistently pursue the post-2015 drug-free ASEAN vision and consider this as a common goal of the three nations.

The three countries agreed to implement effective measures to prevent cross-border drug crime and improve the efficiency of periodic meetings between shared border localities according to the spirit of the signed agreement and action coordination plan.

They concurred to improve the operation of cross-border liaison offices (BLO) and open more BLO in hotspot areas, as well as facilitate the coordination between functional agencies to crack down on drug-related crimes.