In the past four years, they have uncovered more than 9,000 cross-border drug-trafficking cases, arrested more than 10,000 suspects and seized 36 metric tons of drugs on the river. They also rescued 135 commercial ships targeted by drug traffickers and other organized gangs.

Yang Yun, a Chinese businessman who runs a shop that sells daily necessities in Guanlei port, Yunnan province, said, "Since the four countries began law enforcement cooperation in 2011, security on the river has greatly improved. Wholesalers from Laos, Myanmar and Thailand now come to China to buy goods each month, and I benefit a lot."

Wang Ronghua, a Chinese crew member who has helped to transport goods on the river for more than five years, said, "Before this, commercial ships were subjected to extortion and blackmail on the river and were also charged protection fees."

To further enhance judicial cooperation, the ministry said China will set up a comprehensive law enforcement center in Jinghong, Yunnan, to strengthen intelligence exchanges with Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Three information-sharing branch centers will be set up in the three countries to help with intelligence analysis and case investigation. The ministry will also send law enforcement officers to the river to handle cross-border crimes promptly.