On Tuesday, 6 May 2025, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat actively participated in the Operation Pangea XVII Webinar organized by the INTERPOL Public Health and Pharmaceutical Crime Unit. This event was part of a series of Capacity Building and Training webinars aimed at supporting participating countries and partners during the operational phase of Operation Pangea XVII. As with previous editions, the operation continues to highlight the growing global threat of pharmaceutical crime and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in tackling these complex challenges.
The webinar, themed "International Cooperation and Collaboration", was held from 08:00 PM to 10:00 PM Singapore time. A total of 122 attendees participated, including 7 panelists and 115 participants from various organizations. Among the attendees, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat was represented by Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan, Director for Police Services Police Senior Superintendent Huntal Tambunan, Director for Plans and Programs Police Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, and other key Secretariat officials. These representatives participated under the guidance of the Secretariat to contribute to the discussion and gain valuable insights into the ongoing efforts in combating pharmaceutical crime.
The webinar, hosted by Mr. NG Perry of INTERPOL’s Public Health & Pharmaceutical Crime Unit, began with opening remarks from Ms. Pedersen Kristine, Head of INTERPOL’s International IP Crime Investigators College. The session featured three key speakers: Ms. Ma Zheng from China Customs, who discussed China’s role in Operation Pangea XVII and the involvement of major agencies like the National Medical Products Administration and General Administration of China Customs; Mr. Gianluca Salatino from Europol, who highlighted Operation Shield V and its focus on international cooperation to combat trafficking of illegal medicines and doping substances; and Mr. Maurice Emiola Adefalou from the World Customs Organization, who emphasized the importance of global partnerships in fighting pharmaceutical crime.
In conclusion, the moderator, Mr. NG Perry, reiterated the importance of cooperation and collaboration among law enforcement agencies to successfully combat pharmaceutical crime, especially in light of its evolving nature and global impact.
The ASEANAPOL Secretariat’s participation in this event underscores its commitment to supporting international efforts in addressing transnational crime and enhancing regional cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
"Together We Keep This Region Safe"