Bolikhamxay Province is grappling with a growing crisis of drug use among students, with authorities reporting alarming trends and new drug forms gaining popularity, such as kratom, collagen, and drug-laced coffee.
This development was revealed by Kongchan Xaypanya, the Head of the Bolikhamxay Public Security Headquarters, in a meeting on 17 December.
According to Kongchan, over the past six months, the province has addressed 309 cases related to drug abuse, seizing substantial amounts of illegal substances. These included 19,835 methamphetamine pills, 61 kilograms of Ecstasy, 1,559 kilograms of methamphetamine (Ice), 320 kilograms of dried cannabis, 15 kilograms of kratom, and 37.5 kilograms of heroin, among others.
The increase in drug-related incidents has become a significant concern, particularly among students and teenagers, who are exposed to these substances in various social settings such as bars, karaoke lounges, and even during weddings or traditional ceremonies.
A key concern raised during the meeting was the rising use of non-traditional drugs such as collagen, kratom, and coffee laced with illicit substances. But Kongchan emphasized that the new wave of drug abuse is not only limited to traditional narcotics but includes substances that are often consumed in social environments, making them harder to detect.
In response to the escalating problem, provincial authorities have launched an urgent awareness campaign to educate both students and teachers about the dangers of drug use. Over two days, on 17 and 18 December, awareness programs were held at several schools, including an ethnic boarding school and Khamkerd School, with over 500 students and educators participating.
The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug use, emphasizing prevention and the importance of responsible decision-making. Authorities are hopeful that these efforts will have a positive impact on student behavior and reduce the increasing drug abuse rates.
