The TRIPOD-2 roundtable meeting, held in Thakhek, Khammouane Province, Laos, from March 20th to 21st, 2024, aimed to address the critical issue of wildlife trafficking along the Thailand-Laos border. This meeting provided a valuable platform for bringing together law enforcement agencies from both sides of the border to discuss and gain insights into the
challenges faced in combating wildlife trafficking in the region.
Representatives from the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, including DSP Chan Yew Hiok and Corporal Suhasini Gunasagaran, participated in the TRIPOD-2 activity alongside law enforcement officers from ten (10) Laos law enforcement departments. Participants engaged in a comprehensive analysis of current obstacles hindering effective wildlife trafficking enforcement, including identifying vulnerabilities in border security, communication gaps between departments, and limitations in investigative resources.
The meeting aimed to leverage collaborative strategies and the expertise of the participants. Information gathered from various agencies will be instrumental in designing future Counter Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC) trainings and Special Investigation Group (STG) meetings, equipping officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to combat wildlife trafficking more effectively.
The TRIPOD-2 roundtable meeting proved to be a successful platform for fostering collaboration among Laotian law enforcement agencies. The active participation of attendees paved the way for a valuable exchange of information and experiences. This collaborative approach is critical for strengthening the regional network dedicated to combating wildlife crime. By developing standardized training programs and fostering closer communication between departments, TRPOD-2 strives to create a more unified front against wildlife trafficking in the region.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe”