Sharing Drug Crime Investigation Information
Cooperation in Arrest and Extradition of Fugitives Abroad
South Korea and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen joint investigations into drug-related crimes.
On the 5th, Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun of the National Police Agency visited the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and discussed comprehensive and strategic security cooperation measures between the two agencies with Minister To Lam of the Ministry of Public Security, exchanging a memorandum of understanding./Photo by National Police Agency
On the 5th, Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, visited the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam in Hanoi and held a summit with To Lam, Minister of Public Security of Vietnam, the top security officials of both countries. This meeting was promoted to establish follow-up measures between law enforcement agencies following the elevation of bilateral cooperation to a comprehensive and strategic partnership on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year.
They focused on discussing cooperation measures such as sharing investigative information on drug criminals, blocking smuggling, joint investigations planned by both countries, and the arrest and extradition of fugitives abroad.
According to the Korea Customs Service, from January to April this year, drug smuggling was mainly from Thailand (62kg), the United States (50kg), Vietnam (20kg), and China (17kg).
Commissioner Yoon said, "Vietnam is South Korea's most valuable security cooperation partner," and added, "I hope that both agencies will become comprehensive and strategic security cooperation partners, improve the security environment, and lead the prosperity of both peoples."
Minister To Lam responded, "If both agencies cooperate closely, we will be able to wisely respond to any difficulties and crises, including transnational crimes such as drugs."
They also signed a memorandum of understanding to comprehensively expand exchanges in culture, sports, and language education. Regarding the conclusion of the international driving license mutual recognition agreement, Commissioner Yoon requested policy support such as setting a guidance period and producing Korean-language safe driving promotional materials.
He also asked for active cooperation from the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam to resolve inconveniences caused by the closure of the Da Nang Immigration Office in 2018. Currently, in central regions such as Da Nang, if a passport is stolen or lost, there is the inconvenience of having to travel to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to obtain an exit visa. In response, the National Police Agency stated that it will actively discuss with the Ministry of Public Security the possibility of obtaining exit permission at the Da Nang Public Security Office.
The National Police Agency stated, "We expect this to be an opportunity to contribute to preventing the spread of narcotics within the ASEAN region by strengthening bilateral joint investigations into drug crimes originating from Vietnam, which have recently surged."
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