VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to wiping out the burgeoning drugtrade, marking the 39th International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.
In a message delivered on that day, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global drug challenge.
He noted that International Day against Drug Abuse is an opportunity to review progress made under the National Agenda on Addressing the Drug Problem (2021-2025), describing it as highly successful. He also said the government has elevated drug control to a long-term National Programme under a National Assembly Resolution adopted in 2025.
The Prime Minister warned that drug abuse and trafficking continue to pose serious threats to Lao society, affecting communities from urban centres to remote rural areas.
The drug trade fuels crime, violence and other social problems, undermines national security and socio-economic development, and has particularly harmful consequences for young people, he said.
“The drug problem is a significant challenge that requires the collective efforts of all sectors of society,” the Prime Minister said, adding that drug trafficking is undertaken by transnational criminal networks and close cooperation between Laos and the international communityis needed to stamp out the insidious trade.
The government continues to carry out public awareness campaigns through television, radio, social media and stage shows, including public service announcements, songs and traditional khap-lam performances, to educate citizens about the dangers of drugs.
Alongside prevention efforts, the government has sought support from families, villages, public institutions and the private sector, encouraging citizens to support anti-drug initiatives at the grassroots level.
The Prime Minister also made reference to programmes designed to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for communities in mountainous areas through commercial agriculture, livestock farming and crop substitution.
In addition, rehabilitation services, vocational training and community-based treatment continue to help people recovering from drug addiction to return to productive lives.
Meanwhile, the government’s implementation of the Party’s “3 Builds” directive has resulted in an increasing number of drug-free villages, schools, workplaces and organisations throughout the country.
Law enforcement agencies have also intensified operations against drug trafficking networks.
According to the Prime Minister, authorities have intercepted numerous cases of drug trafficking during the past year, dismantled criminal syndicates, seized substantial quantities of drugs, precursor chemicals, weapons and criminal assets, and arrested suspects who are being prosecuted under Lao law.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the National Committee for Drug Resolution, security forces, government agencies and the Lao people for their continued assistance with efforts to wipe out the drug trade.
He also thanked development partners, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and domestic and international businesses for their ongoing cooperation and support, expressing hope for continued collaboration in the years ahead.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called upon all sectors of society—including government agencies, local authorities, educational institutions, religious organisations, families and foreign residents living and working in Laos—to actively participate in preventing and suppressing drug-related crime.
He urged everyone across the country to work together to stamp out drug abuse and trafficking, with the ultimate goal of creating a drug-free society. - Vientiane Times/ANN
