As part of the ‘Partnership against Transnational Crime through Regional Organised Law Enforcement (PATROL)’ project, a national consultation for Border Liaison Offices (BLOs) is taking place in Da Nang from 10 - 13 August.

The event is being jointly organised by the Permanent Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Da Nang Police Department, and other relevant agencies nationwide.

The UNODC Coordinator for Border Management for East Asia and the Pacific, Mr Matthew Nice, (middle) presenting gifts to BLO representatives

The event aims to affirm the Vietnamese government’s strong determination to boost international cooperation for peace, stability and development with UNODC and other countries worldwide. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Major General Pham Van Cac, Chief of the Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention Secretariat, remarked that the event is an important forum for discussing ways to effectively implement the PATROL project in Viet Nam.  The focus is on reviewing BLOs’ performance and developing organisational regulations for BLOs.  During the event, there will be a training course via computer on practice guidelines for methods of controlling inland shipping.

Having been implemented in Viet Nam since 2010, the PATROL project involves supporting cross-border cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime, including drug and human trafficking, and the illegal trade in wildlife, forest products and hazardous waste.

To date, 14 BLOs have been set up in 10 cities and provinces nationwide.