ASEAN Supports Task Forces Fighting Drug Trafficking

Batam, Riau Islands (Antara Bali) - All member countries of ASEAN have given support for the meeting of the ASEAN Seaport Interdiction Task Force (ASITF) held here July 20-21 to strengthen cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.

"All member countries gave full support for the setting up of the task force of interdiction at ASEAN seaports," deputy for law and cooperation of BNN Arief Wicaksana as chairman of ASITF in a release received by Antara here on Friday.

Arief said the meeting was an initial step in ASITF cooperation in Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF) in ASEAN and exchange of information in unveiling drug cases.

The meeting is expected to strengthen coordination and collaboration in interdiction of illicit trade at seaports, he said.

The BNN law and cooperation deputy said the results of the meeting included agreement to form focal point and secretariat of ASITF, assignment of the next host country.

The ASEAN secretariat and a number of other delegations recommended Indonesia as the next host country although the final decision has yet to be announced, Arief said.

ASEAN also supported the setting up of Seaport Task Force, initiated at the first meeting. Cambodia even proposed that Seaport Task Force be combined with Airport Interdiction.

"The Term of Reference of Seaport Task Force is also adopted by ASEAN Member States (AMS) and has been distributed by Asec. The conclusion of the first meeting would be followed up AMS which is facilitated by Asec," he said.

The meeting also agreed that drug abuses , trafficking and precursor could not be controlled alone by a country, but has to be dealt with through regional or international cooperation, without violating national sovereignty, he said.

"After the setting up of Seaport Interdiction Task Force, joint operation and joint investigation, would be conducted involving all member countries of ASEAN," Arief said.

He said cooperation could be carried out in the form of joint training, exchange of criminal intelligent information and joint operation, he added.

At the meeting , Indonesia as the initiator to set up the interdiction task force explained about the existence of Integrated Interdiction Team owned by Indonesia.

Indonesian chief delegate Ronny Rosfyandi said what was most important with the joint operation is the integrated system or management.

The first meeting of ASITF provided an opportunity for the participants to come forward and explain developments and progress made in their seaport interdiction task force, that collaboration between task force in ASEAN could be increased. (WDY)