Offices/Departments

Narcotics Affairs Section

International Narcotics and Law Enforcement

      Since 1989, the United States has provided more than $42 million to support GOL crop control, demand reduction, and law enforcement programs.

U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs

Crop Control.  The U.S. crop control programs in Laos support projects that assist former opium growers to find alternative livelihoods, promote greater awareness of the hazards of opium production to cultivating communities, and help to detoxify addicts so that they can return to a productive life. Opium cultivation in Laos has declined 96% since the inception of U.S. crop control programs in 1989. According to the Government of Laos, opium addiction has also declined significantly, from more than 63,000 addicts in 1998 to approximately 8,000 at present. Our programs in Laos do not employ forced eradication, nor do they facilitate involuntary resettlement.

Demand Reduction.  U.S. demand reduction programs in Laos build drug treatment centers, support addict treatment, and pay for drug awareness campaigns that focus on educating youth about the dangers of illicit drugs. Methamphetamine abuse is a serious problem in Laos. In 2006, the U.S. completed a $600,000 fully furnished 100-bed addiction treatment facility in Savannakhet, the nation’s second largest city. We are currently working with the Lao commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC) to enhance rehabilitation services in existing drug treatment centers nationwide. Our support for drug awareness programs includes direct outreach to students and youth, public service messages delivered through multiple media, and events commemorating the International Day against Drug Abuse.

Law Enforcement.  U.S. law enforcement programs in Laos support equipment purchases for Lao counter drug agencies. Donated equipment assists Laos to protect its borders from the illegal transit of controlled substances and their chemical precursors. Interdicting the flow of narcotics and amphetamines in Laos helps to protect neighboring countries, other nations in the region, and even the U.S. The Embassy also assists Lao officials to participate in training programs at the International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA) in Bangkok and Roswell New Mexico, where officials can learn new techniques to enhance their crime-fighting skills.

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