Efren L Fernandez II, National Central Bureau Philippines, INTERPOL Operation Vector
Channel: INTERPOL
Date: 2018-03-15

An international operational exercise at international airports across five countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand) in Southeast Asia has seen close to 500,000 passengers screened to raise awareness of bioterrorism prevention and the impact of cross-border smuggling of biological materials.
Led by INTERPOL’s Biological Terrorism Prevention Unit (BTPU), Operation Vector saw more than 120 law enforcement officials from 38 agencies deployed over a five-week period (8 January – 9 February). The agencies included police, customs, immigration, ministries of health, fire and rescue services, counter terrorism units and airport authorities.
To increase security measures tied to biological agents and dual-use goods, systematic screening of passengers and property were conducted, focusing on triggers and indicators related to biological risks.
Officials took samples of biological materials including, powders, seeds, medical and veterinary materials with dual-use equipment,  utilizing hand-held biological detection equipment.
At several operational sites, authorities conducted practical exercises with various stages including detection, intervention, investigation and sample collection to identify areas of improvement and develop standard operating procedures for incidents involving biological agents.
With Project Vector funded by Global Affairs Canada, High Commissioner to Malaysia Julia Bentley said: “Biological agents neither recognize nor respect political or geographic boundaries, posing unique threats to global security. This exercise will help deepen the levels of knowledge and skills, not just in regards to global and regional bioterrorism threats, but also greater awareness of the absolute necessity of working together with colleagues and peers in the region, reaching out to different agencies and stakeholders, and responding in a rapid and integrated manner.”