Laos pledges to intensify fight against drugs

VIENTIANE, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) — The Lao government will continue to work with ministries, government bodies at all levels, and local authorities to intensify measures to suppress the drug trade and eliminate drug abuse in the Southeast Asian country.
In his message on the Lao National Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong said the work of controlling, suppressing and combatting drug abuse and trade should be viewed as the responsibility of all government agencies, Lao National Radio reported on Wednesday.
He advocated increased publicity and education about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse, especially among young people. The aim is to raise their awareness of the importance of compliance with the law and encourage them to share in efforts to stem drug abuse and trade.
Vilay also highlighted the need to improve rehabilitation facilities for treating drug addicts, as well as provide specialized health services and vocational training, so that former addicts could return to their families in good health.
Members of the public should be educated about the dangers of cultivating plants that contain addictive substances, and more should be done to wean opium poppy growers off this practice and help them transition to more productive and stable occupations.
Cooperation with regional and international partners should be increased to secure support and share information, especially regarding the cultivation of alternative crops and coordination in combating drug smuggling along borders, according to the report.
The Lao National Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking is observed on Oct. 12. ■