Most effective enforcement operation against illegal wildlife and drugs in Asia-Pacific Fired up for new phase

With more than 70 participants in attendance, including Customs officials from 17 countries and regions all demonstrating their commitment against wildlife trafficking and other crimes, the next Phase was introduced. This will build on the successes of the four earlier phases that have already recorded a significant increase in seizures. 

The event, supported by TRAFFIC in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and World Customs Organization (WCO), reflected on the successes and sought to prepare attendees to enter Phase V with renewed vigour. 

“Operation Mekong Dragon is a flagship program which demonstrates that regional cooperation is the key to achieving successful seizures throughout illicit supply chains and ensuring regional security," Mr WANG He, the Deputy Director General of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau, General Administration of China Customs.  

In 2022, OMD IV saw increased seizures of illicit drugs and wildlife products intercepted during their illegal transboundary journeys. To date, over 1,362 drug and wildlife trafficking cases have been reported to World Customs Organization’s central database, out of which 78 are wildlife seizure cases. 

TRAFFIC shared much of its latest expertise and guidance such as behaviour change and law enforcement support toolkits, including guidelines to detect wildlife smuggling in the maritime sector, law enforcement capacity-building materials, species identification guides, seizure databases, and anti-money laundering approaches.

In addition, TRAFFIC’s Viet Nam Office Director, Trinh Tuyet Nguyen, gave an overview of relevant CITES COP19 updates including resolutions and decisions, particularly around elephants, rhinos, pangolins, and timber. 

Participants from different countries summarised their OMD efforts and shared the lessons they had learned from handling and processing different cases and seizures. Intelligence sharing was a focal point of the agenda, facilitated by WCO Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO AP) and UNODC. The use of smart anti-smuggling approaches and intelligence analysis on changes in smuggling routes and trends attracted many questions and interest from OMD members. 

Following the discussion, attendees took part in a field trip to Shanghai Natural Museum to learn about species identification and other information related to wildlife conservation. 

“We celebrate the achievements and international influence of OMD in combatting these persistent transnational crimes. TRAFFIC looks forward to more opportunities to coordinate and support OMD with new tools and resources. Together we can build upon the successful track record of OMD in ending illegal wildlife crime” Ling XU, Director of TRAFFIC's China Office.