Police in Borikhamxay Province seized more than 1.3 million methamphetamine pills and arrested 162 suspects in 111 drug cases during the first six months of 2026 as authorities intensified anti-narcotics operations across the province, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
Head of the province’s Public Security Headquarters Kongchan Xaypanya said the seizures included 1,311,445 methamphetamine pills, 3.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 29 grams of heroin, 120 ecstasy pills, 1,022 kilograms of dried cannabis, and 2,169 kilograms of kratom leaves. Officers also confiscated electronic cigarettes, thousands of bottles of drug-laced liquid, one methamphetamine production machine, firearms, cars, motorcycles, and other evidence.
The province’s largest drug seizure took place on 5 July in Thaphabat district.
According to Borikhamxay police, officers identified a white pickup truck with Vientiane Capital registration plates as suspicious while monitoring routes commonly used for cross-border drug trafficking. The vehicle remained parked for several hours before heading toward a rubber plantation near the Mekong River.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle for inspection, the driver allegedly ignored police orders, fled the scene, and abandoned the pickup truck before escaping into a nearby forest.
A search of the vehicle uncovered three sacks containing 1.2 million methamphetamine pills weighing approximately 147 kilograms. Police said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest those involved in the trafficking network.
Nationwide Crackdown
The Borikhamxay figures come as Laos continues to step up its nationwide campaign against drug trafficking and drug abuse.
Speaking during the National Assembly’s ordinary session on 6 July, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said authorities handled 1,786 drug cases nationwide during the first half of 2026 and arrested 4,025 suspects.
The government also reported that 7,046 people entered drug rehabilitation centres during the same period, with 2,769 completing treatment and returning home.
Sonexay said strengthening drug law enforcement while expanding rehabilitation services remains a national priority as authorities continue efforts to reduce drug trafficking and addiction across the country.
