(KPL) The Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC), the Embassy of Japan, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) co held a High-Level Meeting for the Illicit Drug Sector Working Group and the Mini-Dublin Group in Vientiane on November 8, 2024.

The meeting was co-chaired by Pol. Maj. Gen. Khamking Phouilamanivong, Deputy Minister of Public Security, Mr. Tsutomu Koizumi, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR, and Mr. Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

The Lao PDR continues to face significant challenges in combating illicit drugs, exacerbated by its strategic location and porous borders. 

The persistence of illicit drug production, trafficking, and use presents substantial threats to public health, social stability, and the economic development of the nation. 

In response, the Government of the Lao PDR has intensified its efforts through the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan 2021–2025. 

This comprehensive five-year plan aims to address the pressing issues of illicit drug use through a balanced and integrated approach. It focuses on strengthening law enforcement capabilities, improving prevention efforts, and fostering international cooperation to disrupt drug trafficking networks.

As part of the Round Table Mechanism, the Illicit Drug Sector Working Group and the Mini-Dublin Group serve to support coordination and responses to these challenges. A Technical Meeting of these two groups was held on October 25, 2024, during which the LCDC, UNODC, and development partners shared information on the current situation, progress made, and key challenges.

The high-level meeting highlighted the implementation progress of the National Drug Control Master Plan, identified emerging and ongoing challenges, and reviewed the drafts of the Illicit Drug Sector Working Group Report and the Mini-Dublin Group Report.

KPL