Vientiane authorities and invited guest set on fire seized drugs

(KPL) More than 100 kg of seized drugs were set on fire at That Luang Square in Vientiane Capital last Friday to mark the 28^th anniversary of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26 June).

Vientiane Mayor Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, high ranking officials from the Commission for Drug Control and Supervision of Vientiane, and other relevant sectors took part in the burning of the drugs, which was organised by the Commission for Drug Control and Supervision.

The burnt drugs included 37.4 kg of amphetamines, known locally as yaba, 41.4 kg of dried cannabis, 10.9 kg of ice, 3.3 kg of heroin and 15.1 kg of other narcotic drugs.

“Vientiane has cooperated with the United Nations and other sectors to suppress drug trafficking over the past years,” said Dr Sinlavong.

“We have been focussing on educating people, and particularly the younger generation, on the dangers and terrible consequences of drug abuse by regularly disseminating information, regulations and decisions related to drug issues, and also helped drug addicts undergo rehabilitation,” he said.

Vientiane authorities have also worked diligently to create drug-free villages.

“To date, there are 333 drug-free villages and 96 drug-free schools across the capital,” said Dr Sinlavong.

Last year, almost 700 cases of drugs were destroyed and more than 1,000 suspects were arrested, among whom 191 were female and 15 were foreigners.

Drugs destroyed for the 27^th anniversary of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking last year included three tonnes of dried cannabis, 49.2 grams of ice, 334 grams of heroin, 32.2 kg of Ameflu, and over 5.4 million tablets of amphetamine, known locally as Yaba.

KPL