Xayaboury opens Border Liaison Office to counter drugs, crimes 

Authorities in Xayaboury province have opened a Border Liaison Office (BLO) at the Nam Heuang-Nakaxeng international border between Laos and Thailand to boost cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and crimes.
The opening ceremony for the Nam Heuang BLO, held recently in Kaenthao district of Xayaboury, was attended by the Deputy Chief of Cabinet of the Ministry of Public Security, Colonel Anoudeth Khounkham, and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Loei province of Thailand.

The BLO is supported by UNODC and government of Japan.
During the event, the Deputy Head of the Public Security Headquarters of Xayaboury, Lieutenant Colonel Somphet Pankeo, said the BLO will help officials and police share information and coordinate with each other, especially between Xayaboury and Loei provinces, for the fight against drug trafficking and crimes along the border.
According to the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision, drug trafficking and use is increasing in Laos, especially of crystal methamphetamine, amphetamine and heroin.
Most of the drug trafficking occurs in the Golden Triangle area, with narcotics being moved through Bokeo, Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces to neighbouring countries.
Laos is used as a transit country for transporting drugs, and trafficking through the country is increasing with higher frequency and volumes. 
The northern border is the main gateway for drugs flowing into Laos, while the southern border is increasingly used for outflow. 
Amphetamine tablets remain the main drug abused while the number of opium users is almost stable.
The Lao government shares information with neighbouring countries for drug control and supervision.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update March 31, 2020)