Lao authorities admit drug abuse among Lao youth and students has increased considerably and has spreaded out from cities to rural areas. Furthermore, it appears that former opium addicts have turned more and more to metamphetamines
Laos' drug czar Soubanh Srithilath says drug use is more prevalent among youth between the ages of 15 to 19. He adds that since 2005 his government has held drug awareness workshops in 14 provinces, with the aim to declare Laos completely drug-free by the year 2015.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details.