Laos Marks International Day Against Drug Abuse with Call for Stronger National Action

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Khamliang Outhakaysone, who also chairs the National Committee for the Resolution of Drug Problems, alongside Minister of Public Security Vanthong Kongmany, senior government officials, diplomats, representatives of international organizations and other stakeholders.
In his address, Mr. Khamliang warned that transnational drug trafficking networks have become increasingly sophisticated, with the spread of synthetic drugs and other illicit substances posing growing threats to public safety, socio-economic development and national security.

He noted that Laos continues to face significant challenges because of its geographic location in the Lower Mekong region and its role as a transit route for drug trafficking and precursor chemicals. Drug-related crimes and addiction, he said, have expanded from urban centres into rural and remote communities, contributing to broader social problems.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts under the National Agenda on Drug Problem Resolution and the implementation of anti-drug legislation, while acknowledging that substantial challenges remain.
He called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, law enforcement, local authorities, communities and international partners to enhance prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation efforts. Particular emphasis was placed on public education, youth awareness, vocational training for recovering drug users and closer regional collaboration to combat cross-border trafficking.
Mr. Khamliang stressed that addressing the drug problem requires sustained national commitment and broad public participation to achieve the objectives of Laos’ anti-drug programme for 2026–2030.