Noble strengthening ties to Latin America

LYON, France, March 27 (UPI) -- The head of Interpol has announced plans to travel to Latin America in a move to strengthen the international policing organization's cooperation in the region.

Ronald Noble, Interpol secretary-general, has scheduled an official trip to Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador and Nicaragua to meet with top security authorities in the countries, Interpol reported.

During the two-week visit, Noble is expected to discuss ongoing measures to counter transnational criminal groups, terrorism, drug-trafficking and other threats facing Central and South America as part of an effort to strengthen Interpol's ties to the region and bolster cooperation.

Noble is also expected to attend the 20th Americas Regional Conference taking place in Chile from April 1-3. "The conference will focus on a range of issues, including the fight against organized crime -- particularly drug trafficking and illegal immigration -- (and) expanding access to Interpol's tools and services," a news release said.