National Police Agency Hosts International Drug Investigation Conference... "Largest Scale Ever"

New Launch of Asia Drug Crime Working Group

The National Police Agency announced on the 10th that it will hold the largest-ever "International Drug Investigation Conference" until the 11th.

Director General Jo Ji-ho of the National Police Agency is speaking at the International Drug Investigation Conference.
[Photo by National Police Agency]

The conference will be attended by delegations from 32 investigative agencies including the United States, Vietnam, Australia, and Cambodia; four international organizations including Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Narcotics Control Board; and over 200 officials from domestic agencies such as the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Korea Customs Service, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Coast Guard, and Ministry of National Defense. This represents an approximately threefold increase compared to last year.

Starting with a keynote speech by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the main session will consist of thematic presentations from 17 participating countries and organizations including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as subsidiary meetings such as bilateral talks between attending countries and organizations. Additionally, under the leadership of the National Police Agency, the "Asia Narcotics Crime Response Working Group (ANCRA)" will be newly launched, involving 13 Asia-Pacific countries including Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and India, along with ASEANAPOL. Furthermore, a results meeting will be held regarding the international drug Interpol joint operation conducted last month with participation from six countries including Korea, Thailand, and Cambodia.

President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized in a congratulatory message, "The government of the Republic of Korea is doing its utmost to eradicate drug crimes that threaten the mental health and well-being of our people and destroy the dreams and hopes of future generations," adding, "I hope this conference will serve as an opportunity to strengthen international solidarity and cooperation against drug crimes."

National Police Agency Commissioner General Jo Ji-ho stated, "Drug crimes that threaten international security are a challenge that the entire world must solve together," and added, "When global efforts unite, we will be able to sever the links in the organized and specialized international drug crime ecosystem."