Laos is set to be completely opium-free by year's end as it announces Xiengkhouang the 10th province where opium growing has been completely eradicated. Now Sayabouli is the only remaining province to be announced opium-free. However, opium growing will not be completely uprooted in Laos since the country needs about 25 tons of opium annually for medicinal purpose. And there are still over 20,200 opium addicts in Laos.
Listen to our Laos Today report for details.