On June 25, senior police officers from the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, convened in Tonpheung, Bokeo Province, to intensify efforts against narcotics. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Security Maj. Gen. Khamking Phouylamanivong, was pivotal in addressing the burgeoning drug issues affecting the region.

Representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and various diplomats joined the dialogue, focusing on future challenges posed by narcotics, which threaten socio-economic development and public health across the GMS. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperative measures to prevent drug abuse and minimize its societal impact.

Maj. Gen. Khamking highlighted the critical nature of the drug threat, which is expanding from urban to rural areas and escalating in terms of cases, types of drugs, and the number of addicts. He emphasized Laos’ commitment to combating this menace through adherence to international conventions and regional cooperation frameworks.

“This meeting underscores our collective resolve to strengthen anti-drug operations across the GMS through shared information, mutual support, and capacity building,” stated Maj. Gen. Khamking. The initiative aims to fortify regional alliances in curbing the flow and impact of illegal narcotics.