(KPL) Lt. Gen. Vanthong Kongmany, Minister of Public Security, presented the proposal to the 2nd Ordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on October 5, outlining the reasons and necessity for formally listing prohibited narcotics and controlled chemical substances.

The minister said the proposal follows the Government's continued implementation of the National Agenda on Addressing Drug Issues, under which authorities have successfully handled numerous drug-related cases and seized large quantities of narcotics, equipment and vehicles.

Despite these efforts, drug-related problems persist, with new types, forms and varieties of narcotics continuing to emerge. Some of these substances have not yet been specifically defined under existing laws and regulations, creating challenges for law enforcement agencies in dealing with offenders.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Public Security has proposed expanding Clauses 1 and 2 of Article 2 of the Law on Amending Certain Articles of the Law on Narcotics (2021) through a National Assembly Resolution detailing the list of prohibited narcotics and controlled chemical substances.

Lt. Gen. Vanthong said the proposal is also in line with a resolution of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly to continue implementing the National Plan on Drug Prevention and Control. The objective is to progressively reduce drug-related problems in society, safeguard political security and social order, and contribute to socio-economic development and national development.

Previously, the Government issued Decision No. 87/PM on July 29, 2026, establishing the list of prohibited narcotics and controlled chemical substances. However, its implementation encountered difficulties and inconsistencies, particularly in criminal proceedings and coordination among relevant sectors and stakeholders.

Following consultations with concerned sectors, it was agreed that the Ministry of Public Security and the Supreme People's Prosecutor's Office would submit the list established under Decision No. 87/PM to the National Assembly Standing Committee for consideration and adoption as a resolution.

The Ministry said elevating the list from a government decision to a National Assembly Resolution would provide a stronger legal foundation and help ensure greater consistency, enforcement, efficiency and effectiveness in preventing and combating drug-related offences.

The move is expected to strengthen authorities' ability to take legal action against drug offenders and contribute to creating a safer and more secure society free from the harmful effects of narcotics.

KPL