On August 20, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat conducted a session on the ASEANAPOL cooperation mechanism for identifying and investigating transnational crimes. Held at the Royal Malaysia Police College Kuala Lumpur, the event featured Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. Bakri bin Hj. Zainal Abidin of the Royal Malaysia Police, who also serves as ASEANAPOL Secretariat's Director for Police Services, under the supervision of Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan. The session was part of the 1st International Narcotic Enforcement Course (INEC), attended by police officers from ASEANAPOL member countries as well as participants from beyond the ASEAN region.
During the session, ACP Dr. Bakri provided a comprehensive overview of ASEANAPOL Secretariat’s mission and its ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation among ASEAN police forces. He emphasized the crucial role of intelligence sharing and coordinated actions in combating transnational crimes, including human trafficking, cybercrime, drug smuggling, and terrorism. He reaffirmed ASEANAPOL’s commitment to regional law enforcement collaboration through continuous dialogues and strategic consultations.
The INEC, which took place from August 19 to 23, 2024, centered around the theme "Narcotics' Best Practices: Shared View." This international-level course attracted 30 participants with ranks ranging from Deputy Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Police Major to Police Colonel or equivalent ranks). Participants represented ASEANAPOL member countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia, as well as other nations such as the Maldives, Kuwait, Timor Leste, Bahrain, and Canada.
The course aimed to promote global knowledge sharing regarding narcotics, strengthen efforts to combat drug-related crimes both in Malaysia and internationally, and establish cooperation networks among nations, stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, it sought to expose participants to exemplary approaches used by both developed and developing nations in combating narcotics while fostering leadership qualities among senior police officers. The growing challenge of transnational crime was a key focus of the discussions. Transnational crime has evolved into a significant global issue, threatening both security and prosperity on a wide scale. The United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) served as a primary reference for countries seeking guidance in addressing these crimes, particularly those perpetrated by organized criminal groups operating across borders. The complexity of transnational crime, which is intrinsically linked to national borders, has often diminished the ability of individual states to control such crimes, sometimes resulting in regional conflict. Many countries have also faced challenges related to limited financial and human resources, exacerbated by issues such as low wages and corruption, further complicating their ability to respond effectively to these crimes.
Given these challenges, regional cooperation has become vital. ASEAN Chiefs of National Police (ASEANAPOL) has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, particularly in the preventive, enforcement, and operational aspects of combating transnational crime. As the key platform for strategic police cooperation in Southeast Asia, ASEANAPOL has actively engaged in the exchange of knowledge and expertise on law enforcement, criminal justice, and transnational crime prevention. ASEANAPOL has addressed a broad spectrum of criminal activities, including terrorism, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, cybercrime, counterfeiting, economic and financial crimes, credit card fraud, and extradition arrangements for criminals and fugitives. Additionally, the organization has taken proactive steps to combat emerging forms of transnational crime, such as fraudulent travel documents, online scams, public health-related offenses, and child exploitation.
Through these collaborative efforts, ASEANAPOL has reinforced its role in promoting law enforcement partnerships across the region, advancing joint initiatives to mitigate the growing threats posed by transnational crime, and ensuring the continued security and safety of Southeast Asia.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe"