Law enforcement leaders from across the Americas have called for faster intelligence-sharing and stronger cross-border cooperation, as increasingly sophisticated criminal networks exploit borders, technology and financial systems.

The calls were made on Wednesday as Guyana hosts the 27th INTERPOL Americas Regional Conference for the first time, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Approximately 50 officials from 37 countries are attending two days of discussions on transnational organised crime.

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said the region must increasingly focus on financial networks, particularly links between drug trafficking and illegal gold mining.

"Let's turn regional intelligence into global operations. The citizens of the Americas look to its agencies for safety, security and justice. They deserve to walk the streets without fear. They deserve to live in a region where the rule of law is stronger than the rule of violence. And that's why INTERPOL's commitment to this region remains strong, yet continues to evolve," he said.

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said Guyana is also strengthening its national security architecture to bolster policing, border security, intelligence, technology and investigative capacity.

"But even the strongest national security architecture cannot operate in isolation. Investment at home must be matched by cooperation abroad. The threats confronting our countries do not recognise the boundaries on our maps," she said.

INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe pointed to Operation Guyana Shield as an example of the need for coordinated regional action.

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken said no country, regardless of size or capability, can succeed in isolation against these challenges.

"Criminal networks operate across borders, exploiting differences between jurisdictions and rapidly adapting their methods. Accordingly, law enforcement agencies must be equally connected, coordinated and adaptable. I believe that INTERPOL provides the secure global policing architecture through which this cooperation can occur," he said.
Speakers at the opening stressed that the conference must produce practical outcomes beyond the two-day meeting.