The National Intelligence Service has officially launched an organization for a joint response to drug crimes with five countries in Asia.
The National Intelligence Service announced on the 27th that it has officially launched the “Asian Narcotics Intelligence Cooperation” with intelligence and investigation agencies in five countries, including Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.
The participating agencies discussed the recent trend of major drug organizations expanding their influence in the region and the problems of drug smuggling using cyberspace. They agreed to strengthen the multilateral cooperation system.
In addition, they have prepared systematic response measures such as sharing information in real-time and joint tracking, if necessary, when a drug-related case occurs across countries.
They also agreed on a plan to develop into an international cooperation agency in the region while implementing various cooperation programs among participating agencies.
The National Intelligence Service has been seeking intelligence cooperation with these countries as more than 70% of the drugs detected in Korea are smuggled from abroad, with a significant number being distributed from the “Golden Triangle” (border areas of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar).
Accordingly, they have been consulting related countries since the first half of last year and held a joint meeting with six countries in Bangkok, Thailand, in November.
“We have established a foundation for overseas intelligence cooperation to block the inflow of drugs in the Asia-Pacific region,” a National Intelligence Service official said. “We will take the lead in protecting the people from the threat of drugs by expanding agreements related to international crimes with major countries such as the United States and Japan.”
kukoo@news1.kr