Lao authorities have destroyed of 44.5 tonnes of seized drugs and drug-making chemicals in recent weeks, including millions of methamphetamine pills and thousands of kilograms of other substances.
The destruction campaign comes as police warn that drugs such as ketamine and kratom drinks, as well as collagen products containing drugs, are appearing in places such as restaurants and karaoke bars.
Authorities held drug destruction ceremonies in several provinces around National Anti-Drug Day on 12 October. Police destroyed the drugs only after courts finished the related cases and ordered their destruction.
Millions of Pills Destroyed
In Vientiane, police destroyed about 3.9 tonnes of drugs on 10 October. The haul included 1.3 tonnes of methamphetamine pills and 1,772 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Police also destroyed more than 767 kilograms of collagen powder containing drugs, along with smaller quantities of cannabis, heroin, and ketamine.
Four days later, authorities in Bolikhamxay destroyed 6.3 million methamphetamine pills, more than 3,000 kilograms of dried cannabis, and over 2,000 kilograms of kratom leaves. The haul also included crystal methamphetamine, drug-infused collagen powder, e-cigarettes, ketamine, and more than 335 kilograms of chemicals and powders used to make methamphetamine pills.
In Phongsaly, police burned more than 60,000 methamphetamine pills and 33 kilograms of heroin on 15 October.
Five days later, police in Luang Namtha destroyed 1,398 bags of drug precursor powder weighing nearly 35 tonnes.
Crystal Meth Seized at Airport
On 1 October, police seized 521 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine packed into 21 suitcases at Luang Prabang International Airport. Airport workers were loading the luggage onto a private jet when authorities intervened.
Police seized the aircraft and detained 13 people, including the pilot, co-pilot, and seven airport staff. Initial reports said the plane was bound for Malaysia.
The case has also drawn attention in the Philippines, where national media reported that Sultan Edrieza Hadji Nasser Rimbang, a former regional lawmaker, had been identified by Philippine authorities as an alleged mastermind behind the smuggling attempt.
Officials say he helped plan and finance the operation and that the drugs were intended for the Philippines, although this differs from initial reports about the flight’s destination.
A Filipino national, Fahad Dibarosan, who was arrested in the case remains in detention in Vientiane. Philippine officials are seeking consular access and have said they may ask Laos to commute any death sentence imposed on him to life imprisonment.
Laos Warns Students in China Over Kratom
Lao authorities have also warned students studying in China not to become involved with kratom, which is illegal under Chinese law.
On 8 June, Luang Namtha authorities prohibited Lao students in China from involvement with kratom after reports that some had carried the leaves into the country or sent them by post.
In early October, the Lao Embassy in China renewed the warning, specifically advising students in Beijing that kratom and other drugs were strictly prohibited under Chinese law.
Lao state media report that as many as 30,000 Lao students are studying in China.
