Drug Situation in Lao PDR
Drug control has long been an issue in the Lao PDR. In 1998, the country ranked as the world third largest illicit opium producer (UNODC Opium Survey, 1998). At the time, the Lao PDR also had one of highest opium addiction rates in the world. However, and due to the Government's strong commitment to address the issue, from 1998 to 2005, opium cultivation was effectively reduced by 94 percent and opium addiction by 80 percent. In 2006, the Lao PDR declared its success in significantly reducing opium poppy cultivation.
Since the mid-90's however, transnational trafficking of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), Heroin and other illicit drugs significantly increased, and resulted in Laos becoming a transit point for drugs trafficked in the region. At the same time, the spillover effect of transnational drug trafficking resulted in the rise of cases of drug abuse, domestic crime, violence and other related problems.
UNODC launches new Alternative Development and Food Security Project in Oudomxay province
The PCDC project ( Provincial Comission on Drug Control and Supervision ), which will cover a total of 50 villiages in its three target districts, benefiting 2964 households and an estimated 17500 people is fully funded by the Goverment of Germany (BMZ), and will span 2 years (2010-2011).
The project incorporates the following main components:
- improvement of food security and agricultural production
- development of small farmers' associations andcooperatives and local business managment
- prevention of opium production and consumption through intensive awareness campaigns
- provision of treatment services and local capacity building for drug prevention and monitoring
But generally I work with the PCDC Oudomxay and DCDC in its 50 villiages.