VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Thailand will work more closely in joint efforts to quash the burgeoning drug trade across their shared border.
The nature of this collaboration was deliberated at the 20th Lao-Thai meeting of senior drug control officials, which took place in Vientiane on Tuesday (Dec 24).
The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision under the General Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security, Colonel Chanthone Heuangkhamxay, and his Thai counterpart.
The two delegations reviewed the topics scheduled for discussion at the upcoming 20th Lao-Thai ministerial meeting on drug control cooperation.
These include developing mechanisms and channels for coordination and the sharing of information, joint intelligence, investigations, and the suppression of narcotics at the central, provincial and local levels in ways that are more effective.
Officials will strengthen cooperation in investigations aimed at dismantling drug networks and the suppliers of drug precursor chemicals.
The meeting discussed ways to expand cooperation to increase the effectiveness of investigations, disrupt financial networks, and stem the trade in drugs through legal frameworks.
Officials plan to step up surveillance to prevent the import and export of uncontrolled chemicals and hazardous materials that could be used in drug smuggling.
These efforts will support implementation of the Mekong River Action Plan in Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone Action Plan.
The Lao and Thai delegations also vowed to reinforce cooperation mechanisms between bordering provinces and drug control coordination offices in border areas, and create neighbouring drug-free villages along the Lao-Thai border.
Joint cooperation in drug testing and research was also advised, alongside the sharing of information in relation to the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, both at the community level and at treatment and rehabilitation centres.
A greater effort will be made to counter the harmful effects of drugs among various target groups, as well as provide operational support, materials, equipment, and other resources.
The decisions taken at the meeting will be presented at the 20th Lao-Thai ministerial meeting on drug control cooperation, where they will be adopted and subsequently put into practice. - Vientiane Times/ANN
