Joint operation along Mekong River launched to counter crime, stop virus

The 110th joint patrol and law enforcement action carried out by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, which kicked off on Tuesday, will enhance cracking down on cross-border crimes and tighten epidemic control, authorities said.

The four teams will patrol in different areas along the Mekong River, both on land and water, with no direct human contact with each other, to avoid COVID-19 infection. Their major tasks include stamping out drug trade, stopping illegal immigration, and internet fraud, as well as preventing the river from becoming a channel to spread the virus.