BEIJING - China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand announced Thursday that they will conduct a two-month joint campaign against drug-related crimes on the Mekong River starting April 20.

Representatives from the four nations attended a launch event held in Beijing on Thursday.

Though the overall security situation on the Mekong River has improved, narcotics crimes continue to rage there, according to the representatives.

Strengthening the fight against drugs on the river is necessary for ensuring the safety of the major trading route in Southeast Asia, they said.