Govt partnering with int’l bodies in war against drugs

The government is working closely with international organisations to bolster the fight against illicit drugs as the drug trade increases across the country, especially in crystal methamphetamine and amphetamine pills.
The issue was reported on at the 14th High Level Illicit Drug Sector Working Group and Mini-Dublin Group meeting in Vientiane last week.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Public Security and Commissioner for Drug Control and Supervision, Major General Dr Somvang Thammasith; Australian Ambassador to Laos Мг Jean-Bernard Carrasco; staff from international organisations and other officials.
Deputy Secretary General of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision, Mr Phoutsavath Sounthala, reported that in the first six months of 2019 police dealt with 1,763 drugsrelated cases and arrested 2,607 people including 49 foreigners.
Police seized 13,510,248 amphetamine tablets, 112kg of heroin, 1,043kg of cannabis, 2,519kg of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 9kg of opium, and 10,010kg of powder used to mix drugs.
From January to June in 2018, police handled 3,020 drugs-related cases and arrested 4,674 people including 63 foreigners.
During this period police seized 15,852,000 amphetamine tablets, 221kg of heroin, 4453kg of cannabis, 1,841kg of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 111kg of opium, and 3,016kg of powder used to mix drugs.
Mr Phoutsavath said drug trade and use was increasing in Laos, especially of crystal methamphetamine, amphetamine, and heroin.
Most of the drug trade occurs in the Golden Triangle area through Bokeo, Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces to neighbouring countries.
Laos is used as a transit country for the transport of drugs, and drug trafficking through Laos is increasing with higher frequency and volume.
The northern border is the main gateway for drug flow into Laos, while the southern border is increasingly used for outflow. Amphetamine tablets remain the main drug of abuse while the number of opium users is almost stable.
The government is continuing to share information with neighbouring countries in relation to drug control and supervision. 
Laos, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are implementing the Safe Mekong Coordination Centre programme, which aims to provide cooperation and support in the fight against drugs in the Golden Triangle area.
The initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation among the six countries to intercept precursor chemicals trafficked into the Golden Triangle area, and in intercepting drugs being trafficked from the Golden Triangle area through these countries to third countries.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update August 26, 2019)