The Director General of the Police Senad Jušić attended an informal meeting of police chiefs in London, United Kingdom, today, 18 April 2024.

Organised by the UK's National Crime Agency, the meeting was attended by police chiefs or their deputies from EU Member States, Schengen countries and the UK, as well as by Executive Director of Europol Catherine De Bolle and Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock.

The police chiefs and other distinguished guests discussed topical issues of common interest and the future of policing globally. They focused on the balance between data encryption and public security, the changing illicit drug markets across Europe, organised crime in immigration and human trafficking, and the role of Interpol.

Jušić highlighted that digital data is an important source of information and evidence, especially for investigating cybercrime and child sexual abuse. He stressed that crime is taking advantage of all possibilities offered by new technologies.

He noted that drug trafficking is one of the most pressing security challenges of our time. The Slovenian police have been closely monitoring possible drug trafficking, in particular through the Port of Koper, and have been working closely with customs authorities, port security staff and logistics companies to effectively reduce this threat.

As regards migrant smuggling, the Director General of the Police pointed out that Slovenia mainly tackles smuggling networks from the Western Balkans. "Every day we catch at least two or three smugglers and more than ninety percent of them remain in detention. This success is only possible through close international cooperation with targeted EU countries and partners in the Western Balkans. A major role is also played by Europol and its Migrant Smuggling Centre, which is our valuable partner," said Jušić.