VIENTIANE: Vientiane authorities marked National Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking on Saturday (Oct 10) by setting fire to nearly 3.9 tonnes of drugs seized by police.
The drugs were burned in Nonsa-art village, Xaythany district, in the presence of theSecretary of the Vientiane Party Committee, Dr Athsaphangthong Siphandone, senior officials and representatives of international organisations.
Head of the Vientiane Public Security Headquarters, Brigadier General Dr Bouaphanh Phongmany, said 3,894 kilogrammes of drugs would be destroyed following court cases, of which 1,791 kilogrammes had been entrusted to authorities by the Counter Narcotics Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security. The substances burned included methamphetamine, crystal meth, drug-infused collagen, cannabis, heroin and ketamine.
Dr Bouaphanh said illicit drugs remained a serious threat to public health, national security, peace and public safety, with their spread in Laos, including Vientiane, continuing to cause concern. He stressed that drug prevention and control remained a priority for the Party, the government and the Vientiane administration.
From October 2025 to September 2026, authorities strengthened public awareness, rehabilitation, law enforcement and community participation in relation to drug abuse.
Publicity campaigns helped people understand drug-related laws and the harmful effects of illicit substances, while encouraging local communities to take an active role in preventing drug abuse and trade.
Rehabilitation, counselling and treatment were provided through treatment centres, district hospitals, communities and families. At the Somsanga Centre, recovering drug users also received basic vocational training to help them find employment and rebuild their lives after returning home.
Authorities have declared 348 villages to be drug-free, accounting for 72.35 percent of Vientiane’s 481 villages, as part of broader efforts to improve public security and strengthen community involvement.
Over the past year, police handled 790 drug-related cases and detained 1,433 people, including 127 foreign nationals.
Seized items included 20,540,584 methamphetamine tablets, 2.7 tonnes of crystal meth, 217 kilogrammes of ketamine and 371 kilogrammes of white methamphetamine. Police also confiscated cannabis, heroin, more than 2.4 tonnes of chemical powder, collagen mixed with addictive substances, electronic cigarettes, balloons, kratom drinks and more than 2.3 tonnes of kratom leaves.
Dr Bouaphanh said police had stepped upoperations against drug-related targets in coordination with relevant agencies.
Vientiane authorities have also strengthened cooperation with international partners, neighbouring provinces and friendly countries to address drug trafficking and transnational crime. Annual meetings with Thailand’s Nong Khai province provide opportunities to share information, while border liaison units support closer coordination.
Events held to mark National Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking highlighted the need for sustained cooperation among authorities, communities and international partners to combat the drug trade and ensure public safety. - Vientiane Times/ANN
