The authorities of the province of Bolikhamxay raised the alarm, where in the last six months cases related to drug trafficking and possession have increased, becoming more widespread. In the region, a methamphetamine pill costs less than 25 cents.
Vientiane (/Agencies) – In the Laotian province of Bolikhamxay, in the central part of the country, there is a growing crisis of drug use among students, and authorities report an alarming trend in the consumption of new drugs, such as kratom (named after the tree that produces the opiate substance) or coffee mixed with toxic substances. The complaint was made a few days ago by Kongchan Xaypanya, head of the Bolikhamxay Public Security headquarters. Kongchan states that in the last six months, 309 cases related to drug abuse have been registered in the province and 19,835 methamphetamine pills, 61 kilograms of ecstasy, 1,559 kilograms of methamphetamine (Ice), 320 kilograms of dried cannabis, 15 kilograms of kratom and 37.5 kilograms of heroin.
Kongchan noted, however, that the new wave of drug abuse is not limited to traditional narcotics, but also includes substances that are often consumed in social settings (such as bars, karaoke rooms and even weddings or traditional ceremonies), which makes them more difficult to detect. In response to the worsening problem, provincial authorities have launched an urgent awareness campaign aimed at students and teachers.
According to national data released in November by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, General Vilay Lakhamfong, 3,395 cases of drug trafficking were registered in 2024, leading to the arrest of 5,168 people, including 199 foreigners. The seizures were large: almost 381 kg of heroin, more than 81 million amphetamine pills, 4,800 kg of crystallized methamphetamine, 84.86 kg of opium, 3,600 kg of cannabis and more than 10,000 kg of other substances. Laotian authorities have also identified more than 5,800 hectares of poppy plantations in nine provinces.
The 14 rehabilitation centers spread throughout the country have served 5,132 people this year. Of them, 2,513 have returned to their homes, while 2,619 remain in treatment. The government is also building a new rehabilitation center, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. In addition, the Lao government has established 28 community counseling centers and declared 3,222 villages, 163 schools and 38 workplaces as disease-free zones. drugs.
Laos is part of the “golden triangle”, a region dedicated to the production of narcotics that also includes some areas of Myanmar (among the main world producers) and Thailand. The high supply of drugs in these countries means that methamphetamine pills are sold for less than 25 cents. Like other Southeast Asian countries, Laos also has the death penalty for drug-related crimes, although no executions have been carried out since 1989. However, it is estimated that more than 300 people remain on death row. death.
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