Public security minister raises drug control efforts at NA

The Ministry of Public Security is highlighting its drug control efforts at the ongoing National Assembly (NA) session this week, noting that 3,395 drug-related cases have been processed this year.

General Vilay Lakhamfong speaks at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security General Vilay Lakhamfong gave the NA this figure and other updates on Wednesday in the ministry’s work to fight drug addiction and trafficking nationwide, efforts which have led to the arrest of 5,168 individuals, including 199 foreigners.
In related information given to the NA, Lao authorities have recorded seizing almost 381kg of heroin, over 81 million amphetamine pills, over 4,800kg of crystal meth, 84.86kg of opium, almost 3,600kg of cannabis, and over 10,000kg of other powdered drug mixtures and drug-related items.
Other items seized, which were allegedly related to drug offences, include 77 cars, 480 motorcycles, 10 guns, and 1,677 bullets.
During a survey targeting illegal opium cultivation this year across nine northern and central provinces, authorities detected over 5,800 hectares of opium poppy plantations.
Of these plantations, 126 hectares have now been destroyed, alongside the removal of 123 kratom trees being grown in Sangthong district, Vientiane, while 126 tonnes of chemicals were seized in the three northern provinces of Bokeo, Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha.
General Vilay pointed to the 14 centres for drug rehabilitation and treatment that are now operating in Laos, which have processed 5,132 individuals this year, with 2,513 people now returned home while 2,619 people remain in care.
Currently, the government of Vietnam is providing assistance to Laos for the construction of a drug treatment centre at Km 62 in Vientiane province, which will accommodate over 500 people.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the centre was held on July 12 and construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. 
Additionally, 28 community-level counselling points for drug users are now being set up.
The government says it is paying more attention to integrating drug control efforts into more sectors of society as an overall national priority, involving more ministries and working to declare additional drug-free villages, offices, police units, schools, hospitals, factories and businesses.
Currently, 3,222 drug-free villages, 163 drug-free educational institutions and 38 drug-free workplaces have been declared.
Other related efforts include creating 24 border coordination offices, six drug control points in Bokeo, Borikhamxay, Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces, and a Mekong-Lancang coordination centre to share information with nearby countries.
Meanwhile, authorities say they have reached over 79,000 people throughout Laos in various awareness campaigns about the potential dangers of drugs.
Looking ahead to 2025, the government plans to focus on six tasks in its work plan on drug control.
These tasks include raising public awareness, improving legislation, upgrading the capacity of police, courts and prosecutors, enhancing coordination and implementation within government, delegating responsibilities, and working to increase international cooperation.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 21, 2024)