Laos once again becomes major producer of opium: official

Laos has again become a significant producer of opium, while drug use, in particular the use of amphetamine-type substances (ATS) known as yabaa, appears to be on the rise, a Lao official said at a recent meeting in capital Vientiane.

So far, Laos have solved more than 2,400 cases relating to drug use and associated crimes with the arrest of over 3,500 suspects, Kou Chansina, Chairman of Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LNCDC) said at the 11th High Level Illicit Drug Sector Working Group/Mini-Dublin Group Meeting held Thursday in Vientiane.

In addition, the country have seized over three million yabaa (amphetamine) tablets, 230kg of heroin, 3,000kg of marijuana, 150kg of methamphetamine, vehicles, cash and other items belonging to drug dealers, reported local Vientiane Times on Friday.

Significant quantities of opiates, ATS and precursors continue to be trafficked through Laos to neighboring countries from where they are either sold or re-exported to markets with higher purchasing power and demand, said the official.

Lao Ministry of Public Security is working hard to combat drug use and crime, and the fight could not succeed without the cooperation of local sectors and regional countries as well as support from international organisations and diplomats.

Drug-related problems are not solely the responsibility of the government and international organizations, but eliminating this scourge requires the vigilance and participation of every member of society, he said. Endit