DCM Cardno visits ILEA Bangkok

Published October 16, 2023

On October 16, 2023, Gwendolyn Cardno, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, visited the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Bangkok to provide remarks during the commencement of the Chemical Diversion Investigations Course (CDI).

DCM Cardno was warmly welcomed by ILEA Executives including Police Major General Kasemsunti Yoosooksomboon, Executive Director and Mr. Kyle Rego, Deputy Director together with the dedicated ILEA staff. Also present were distinguished representatives from the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and key figures from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), including Nicholas J. Wills, Country Attaché, and Mark Synder, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) at the DEA Bangkok Office.

During the opening ceremony, DCM Cardno delivered a compelling address, stressing the importance of utilizing the knowledge and skills imparted during the CDI course to counter Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) effectively. She emphasized the critical role that the law enforcement network from the CDI will play in targeting these TCOs in the region.

In her speech, DCM Cardno stated that this DEA training represented a vital step forward in the fight against the diversion of chemicals used as key components in the manufacturing of illicit synthetic drugs.  These illicit synthetic drugs threaten the safety and security of nations worldwide. The friendships and partnerships formed here at ILEA will continue to be a cornerstone in our collective efforts to counter TCOs.

We would like to express our delight at hosting DCM Cardno for this auspicious occasion. ILEA is committed to fostering international collaboration and equipping law enforcement professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the ever-evolving law enforcement challenges of today's world.