Cross-border crackdown: Law enforcement agencies collaborate on Mekong River exercise

Law enforcement departments from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on Monday conducted the “Vision 2024” joint crackdown exercise against illegal activities in the Mekong River region (known as the Lancang River in China) in Muong Mom, Laos.

The exercise included a mobile intercept, water inspection, underwater rescue, water tracking and land inspection. It aimed to comprehensively assess and develop the collaborative capabilities and operational effectiveness of law enforcement departments in the four countries in combating transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, people smuggling, fraud and kidnapping.

“Mekong River, this is 105! According to reports, an unidentified foreign cargo ship is suspected of carrying illegal migrants and is about to enter our patrol area.” Following the simulated alert, the joint exercise command center issued a series of orders: “Current orders, 09, 10, 18 surveillance and interception of target vessel, 05, 61 preparation for support.”

Upon receiving orders, the assault team quickly conducted an extensive search of the vessel in question and discovered six people on board damaging the vessel, one of whom was carrying suspicious items and attempting to escape by jumping into the river.