Prevailing global security concerns in all aspects of customs business and it’s recognition as a top priority agenda to member countries in the region has compelled the OCO to establish a Law Enforcement and Security Division within the OCO Secretariat.

Consistent with the objectives of other international and regional law enforcement agencies, the Division (LES), through a coordinated and consultative approach based on funding assistance and other technical support from donors are committed to assisting member countries develop, implement and enforce legislative, administrative and institutional mechanisms that will contribute to strengthening their capacity to protect their countries from the menaces of trans-national criminal activities.

• Assist members at national level by creating awareness through training on law enforcement and security issues, assist and recommend to border control agencies, the relevant and applicable compliance strategies with measures that will protect their peoples and societies from the threats posed by terrorism, money laundering, drug smuggling, transnational organised crime, revenue fraud, CITES and emerging security concerns such as chemical weapons and intellectual property rights.
• The Division also collaborates and liaises with other regional and international law enforcement and security agencies on behalf of members to develop and deliver programmes at regional level to assist build their individual capacities in dealing with law enforcement and security issues nationally.
• The Division also fulfils membership obligations to Law Enforcement & Security forums such as the Forum Regional Security Committee (FRSC), Asia Pacific RILO, UN Security Committees such as those on Disarmament, Chemical Weapons, Terrorism, People Smuggling etc.

The Division is staffed by a Law Enforcement and Security Advisor and a Law Enforcement and Security Officer with ad hoc support from other divisions where required.