Drug bonfire highlights Laos’ efforts to control abuse

Over 700 kg of illegal drugs seized in police raids were set alight in Dongmakkhai village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, on Saturday to mark National Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, which falls on October 12.
Among the drugs burned were 385.94kg of amphetamine, 8kg of dried cannabis, 37kg of crystal methamphetamine, 67kg of chemicals used to make methamphetamine, and other narcotic substances weighing 741kg.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Vientiane, Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Commissioner for Drug Control and Supervision, Major General Dr Somvang Thammasith, Head of the Vientiane Public Security Headquarters, Brigadier General Bouppha Siphomma, officials, and representatives of international organisations.
Speaking at the event, Brigadier General Bouppha said that over the past year police processed 877 drug-related cases in Vientiane and arrested 1,202 people including 123 women. This figure included 10 foreigners, of whom three were women.
Police seized more than 761,295 amphetamine tablets, 22 bricks of heroin, 219kg of crystal methamphetamine, and about 50 grams of precursor materials.
Police also seized 18 guns, 34 vehicles, 96 motorbikes and other items from drug dealers.
Last year, illicit drugs destroyed on the day included 50kg of amphetamines, 308kg of dried cannabis, 5.9kg of crystal methamphetamine, and 1.5kg of precursor materials used in drug production.
Dr Somvang said drugs were a terrible affliction and an obstacle to social and economic development, not only in Laos but in many other countries. Drugs were the cause of crime and corruption and created huge problems for families and society at large.
Victims of drug abuse are increasing at an alarming rate in many countries, including throughout Laos.
The Party and government of Laos regard drug control as an important duty and are actively supervising line departments of the Ministry of Public Security in carrying out their work.
In a bid to curb drug use and trade over the past year, education and outreach through awareness-raising activities has been carried out so that people know and understand the law concerning drugs and realise the full extent of the dangers they pose.
Officials are encouraging people of all ethnic groups to participate in drug suppression and to help in tackling drug problems. Drug users are being provided with mental and physical rehabilitation at specialised treatment centres, hospitals, in local communities and among families as appropriate. Recovering drug users are also given basic vocational training to help them find secure jobs after returning to their families following rehabilitation.
Drug-free villages are being encouraged alongside the creation of “developed” villages.
There are now 348 drug-free villages in Vientiane, equal to 72 percent of all villages in Vientiane. In addition, 136 schools have been declared drug-free, equal to 84 percent of the 162 secondary schools in the capital.
The creation of drug-free villages and schools has helped to reduce the spread of drugs in Vientiane, Dr Somvang said.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update October 15, 2019)