More young Laotians turning to new drugs

Provincial authorities in Bolikhamxay are sounding the alarm as drug trafficking and possession cases rise in the past six months. A methamphetamine tablet costs less than 25 cents US in the region.

Vientiane (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Bolikhamxay, a province in central Laos, is grappling with a growing drug crisis among students. Authorities are reporting alarming trends, with new drugs gaining popularity, like kratom (which is the name of the tree as well), and drug-laced coffee. 

Kongchan Xaypanya, head of Bolikhamxay Public Security, reports 309 cases related to drug abuse in the province in the last six months. During this period, the authorities seized 19,835 methamphetamine pills, 61 kilos of ecstasy, 1,559 kilos of methamphetamine (ice), 320 kilos of dried cannabis, 15 kilos of kratom, and 37.5 kilos of heroin.

The problem is not limited to traditional narcotics, according to Kongchan. Increasingly, illegal substances are often consumed in social settings (bars, karaoke lounges, and even weddings or ceremonies) making it hard to detect use.

Provincial authorities have responded by launching an awareness campaign aimed at students and teachers.

According to national data released in November by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, General Vilay Lakhamfong, 3,395 cases related to drug trafficking were reported in 2024, leading to the arrest of 5,168 people, including 199 foreigners.

Substantial amounts of drugs were confiscated: almost 381 kilos of heroin, over 81 million amphetamine pills, 4,800 kilos of methamphetamine (crystal meth), 84.86 kilos of opium, 3,600 kilos of cannabis, and over 10,000 kilos of other substances.

Laotian authorities have also identified more than 5,800 hectares given over to opium poppy production in nine provinces.

The country’s 14 rehabilitation centres have treated 5,132 people this year. Of these, 2,513 have returned home, while 2,619 remain in treatment.

The government is also building a new facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. In addition, it has set up 28 community counselling centres and declared 3,222 villages, 163 schools, and 38 workplaces to be drug-free zones.

Northern Laos is part of the so-called golden triangle, a region of drug production that also includes northern Myanmar (a leading producer), and northern Thailand.

With a plentiful supply, methamphetamine pills are sold for less than US$ 0.25 in these countries.

Like other Southeast Asian countries, Laos has the death penalty in its legal arsenal for drug-related offences, although no executions have been carried out since 1989. It is estimated that more than 300 people are currently on death row.

• laos
• bolikhamxay
• thailand
• myanmar
• southeast asia
• drugs
• students
• death penalty