General Vilay Lakhamfong addresses a meeting in Vientiane.

Laos highlights major successes in anti-drug drive, solves over 7,000 cases
     
Laos has reported significant progress in its efforts to combat narcotic trafficking, with authorities solving more than 7,000 drug-related cases and seizing record quantities of illegal substances over the past 22 months.
The achievements were presented on Monday during a national review of the implementation of the National Agenda for Solving the Drug Problem for 2024–2025. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Public Security in Vientiane on Monday, was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Gen Vilay Lakhamfong, who also serves as Chairman of the National Drug Control Committee.
Senior officials, governors, vice-governors and representatives of the central and provincial security sectors attended the meet.
According to a report delivered by the Deputy Minister of Public Security, Lt Gen Khamking Phuilamanyvong, Laos recorded 7,115 drug-related cases from 2024 to October 2025, resulting in the arrest of 10,856 suspects, including 1,031 women and 479 foreigners.
Authorities seized an extensive range of illegal drugs during this period, including 279.8 million methamphetamine pills, 7,520 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 708 kg of heroin, 168 kg of opium, 4,136 kg of cannabis, 46,020 kg of powdered narcotic substances and other kinds of drugs.
In addition, police confiscated 195 cars, 1,063 motorcycles, 82 weapons, and 12 grenades linked to drug operations.
Gen Vilay said these achievements reflect the strengthened determination of authorities at all levels to tackle the nation’s drug challenges.
Lt Gen Khamking reported strong progress in drug prevention efforts nationwide. Over the past 22 months, officials organised 559 awareness sessions that were attended by more than 95,000 people, installed 235 anti-drug signs, and broadcast anti-drug messages 4,457 times across television, radio and online channels.
Authorities also held 18 drug destruction ceremonies, produced 10 educational short dramas, distributed 33,090 posters and leaflets, and organised 19 exhibitions on the dangers of narcotics.
Officials said these activities were aimed at strengthening public understanding of the harmful impacts of drug use, particularly among youngsters and ethnic communities.
Authorities reported continued progress in helping drug users access treatment and rehabilitation. A total of 8,476 people, including 392 women, were admitted to treatment and recovery centres nationwide. Of these, 5,427 have completed rehabilitation and returned home, while 3,049 are still being treated.
A new treatment, rehabilitation and vocational training centre opened in Salavan province, bringing the national total to 15 centres. Vietnam also provided support for constructing a large treatment facility in Phonhong district of Vientiane province, with capacity for more than 500 patients.
Alternative development programmes designed to replace opium cultivation continued in seven northern and central provinces, benefiting 1,440 villages and 58,185 families. Surveys conducted in 2024–2025 found 5,831 hectares of illicit opium cultivation, of which 126 hectares were destroyed.
Authorities also destroyed 217,050 litres of precursor chemicals seized in the northern provinces of Bokeo and Luang Namtha.
In closing the meeting, Gen Vilay urged authorities to further strengthen coordination and maintain vigilance as the country prepares to implement its 2026–2027 drug-control strategy. He emphasised that continued cooperation among central and local bodies, coupled with public participation, remains essential for addressing the challenges posed by narcotics.
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding communities and ensuring stability as Laos continues its long-term fight against drug-related crime.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth      
(Latest Update November 19, 2025)