(VOVworld) - The 28th round of joint patrols on the Mekong River involving 4 countries - China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand kicked off on Tuesday.

Chinese border police take part in the joint patrol on the Mekong River (Photo: Xinhua)

The four-day patrol involves four law enforcement ships from China, one from Laos, and officers from the four countries, according to the border defense force in southwest China's Yunnan Province. Law enforcement personnel from the countries will carry out checks and drills to prevent crimes such as drug, gun and human smuggling. They will also exchange information in terms of navigation and agricultural production. The past 27 patrols have included 1,633 personnel, 21,400 tonnes of cargo and 301 ships.