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Home Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Jack Mwiimbu, has urged the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to embrace new technologies, inclusive of Artificial Intelligence, in the fight against drug trafficking and financial crimes.
Mwiimbu emphasized the need to also use data analysis as well as International partnerships and community driven interventions in the fight against such crimes even though traditional methods remain crucial.
The Minister said this during the official opening of the 24th Seniors Conference for the DEC held at Legacy Resort Hotel in Chongwe on Monday, under the theme: “A fresh start: Transforming strategy into impact.”
He stressed the need to recognise that organised crimes was not solely a matter of law enforcement but also a development concern and that collocation across sectors was essential to achieve lasting impact.
“As we plan in this meeting, I am cognizant of the many challenges we shall face in an effort to combat the pervasive threats occasioned by drug trafficking and money laundering crimes” Mwiimbu said.
He highlighted the challenges as continous increase and sophistication of drug trafficking and money laundering crimes amidst growing demand from holistic and evidence base treatment options for persons with drug disorders.
“I would therefore, like to urge you to find home grown solutions and mitigating measures to these and many challenges,” Mwiimbu said.
He also called for enhanced community participation, inter-agency cooperation, strengthen regional ties to build sustainable systems that empowers them to become more resilient and resistant to the lure of crime.
Mwiimbu assured of government’s commitenent to resolving the challenges the Commission was facing which include lack of adequate resources for capacity building, human and financial resources, transport and office accommodation space.
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