Lieutenant General Vanthong Kongmany addresses the National Assembly.

Govt seeks NA approval of updated lists of prohibited, controlled narcotics

The government has asked the National Assembly (NA) to approve updated lists of prohibited and controlled narcotics and chemicals in order to strengthen the legal framework and actions to tackle emerging drugs and ensure more consistent enforcement across Laos.
The Minister of Public Security, Lieutenant General Vanthong Kongmany, presented the proposed lists to the Second Ordinary Session of the National Assembly’s 10th Legislature on Monday for consideration and approval. 
He said the move is intended to support ongoing efforts under the National Agenda on Solving the Drug Problem to control, prevent and suppress narcotics, while protecting security, maintaining social order, and supporting socio-economic development.
Despite efforts by authorities to tackle the drug problem and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, new drugs in different forms continue to emerge, with some not yet specifically covered by existing laws and regulations, he said.
The minister said detailed lists approved through a National Assembly resolution will provide a stronger legal basis for anti-narcotics police and other authorities to take action against offenders.
The government previously issued Decision No 87/PM in 2026, covering prohibited narcotics and controlled narcotics and chemicals.
However, its implementation encountered difficulties and lacked uniformity as the issue involves criminal matters and numerous sectors.
In light of these issues, a joint meeting of the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Justice, Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor and Supreme People’s Court held on September 21 agreed to submit the updated lists to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
The minister underlined the need to elevate the lists to a higher level.
“It is therefore very important and necessary to raise this instrument from a government-level legal document to a National Assembly resolution, so that implementation is more authoritative, uniform, effective and efficient,” he said.
The prohibited category comprises 156 types of narcotics that severely stimulate or affect the nervous system and are strictly forbidden for use. They include 61 new types of prohibited narcotics with similar effects.
The controlled category is divided into controlled narcotics and controlled chemicals. Controlled narcotics comprise four subcategories containing 94, 68, 29 and seven types, while controlled chemicals are divided into two subcategories containing 84 and 32 types.
The lists draw partly on the earlier government Decree No 076/PM issued in 2009, international lists and the current drug situation. The lists include cannabis plants and related products, opium resin and poppy sap, kratom plants, various plants and mushrooms that produce addictive or toxic substances, and electronic cigarettes, among other items.
Lt Gen Vanthong asked the lawmakers to consider and approve the proposed lists.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 7, 2026)