The Mekong River Basin was a major hub for drug trafficking in Southeast Asia. Although opium production had declined due to international crackdowns and alternative crop policies, the drug problem persisted with the rise of synthetic drugs, which were easier to manufacture. Along the river, 70 Border Liaison Offices (BLOs), staffed by police, soldiers, and border guards, addressed transnational crimes such as narcotics smuggling and human trafficking. However, their efforts were hindered by limited expertise, inadequate equipment, and weak coordination among BLOs. To strengthen regional cooperation against transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking, the “Strengthening of Border Liaison Office (BLO) Around the Mekong River” project was implemented across five Mekong countries. It focused on human resource development through training, equipment support, and workshops at key border locations. These efforts improved BLO capacity, reduced crime rates, and bolstered Mekong-ROK collaboration. Read more...
