Laos and Vietnam Conduct Joint Drill to Combat Drug Trafficking

Laos and Vietnam are strengthening their coordination in the fight against cross-border drug crime. On September 15, the border guard command of Vietnam’s central Quang Tri province coordinated with the military command and public security department of Laos’s Khammouane province to conduct a joint exercise on arresting drug trafficking and transport offenders carrying weapons across the Vietnam–Laos border. Major General Vo Tien Nghi, Deputy Commander of the Vietnam Border Guard, stated that the exercise was vivid evidence of the special solidarity, traditional friendship, mutual trust, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. It also affirmed the increasingly close coordination between the border protection forces of the two countries in managing and safeguarding the border and combating and preventing crime. According to Nghi, in recent years, the Vietnam Border Guard and Laos's law enforcement forces have effectively maintained mechanisms for information exchange and coordinated patrols, inspections, and efforts to combat various types of crime, helping maintain stability along the border and creating favorable conditions for people on both sides to develop their socio-economic activities. However, cross-border crime, particularly the trafficking and illegal transport of narcotic drugs, remains complex. Offenders often take advantage of rugged terrain, border gates, and trails crossing the border to operate; when detected or arrested, they are prepared to use weapons to resist law enforcement forces. This situation requires continued efforts to enhance coordination and cooperation among the forces in combating and preventing crime from the border areas. The exercise was conducted in three phases, comprising six training scenarios, focusing on demonstrating the capacity of the two countries’ law enforcement forces to provide advice, command and organize forces, coordinate and cooperate in handling situations involving armed cross-border drug crime. On this occasion, the Quang Tri People’s Committee presented 1 billion VND (38,514 USD) in funding to the Khammouane Military Command to purchase equipment and support tools. Laos, while pursuing socio-economic development under its one-party system, maintains close ties with neighboring Vietnam. Cooperation between the two nations is particularly vital for addressing cross-border challenges like drug crime. While its relationship with China is economically significant, its ties with Vietnam are deeply rooted in historical and geopolitical connections, fostering strong security cooperation. Source: KPL Laos News