The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) survey had shown that the opium plantation in Laos decreased 73 percent and opium production fell by 67 percent compared to 2004 that Laos could be free of opium by the end of this year.

Over the past few years, Laos’ drug committee has stepped up effort in controlling the problem and also established many rehabilitation centers for existing addicts. Within seven years, the opium field in the country has been decreased from 26,800 hectares in 1998 to 1,800 hectares this year.

The results of the survey, announced by Mr. Antonio Maria Costa, Director of UNODC, on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking on 26 June, indicate positively that Laos will be opium free by the end of this year, and he urged international organizations to provide assistance to Laos in its fight against drugs. At present, government officials are helping former opium growers to look for alternative sources of income.

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