NA debates groundbreaking drug law

National Assembly members have begun debate on the draft of a comprehensive new Drug Abuse law, passed on Monday by representatives of the drafting sub-committee.

The law, if passed, will be the first piece of national legislation to comprehensively tackle the issue of illegal drugs in Laos.

The law, once completed, will address shortcomings in the existing law by stipulating specific measures and regulations to prevent illicit drug use; it will also allow government inspections and control of drugs used for medical, industrial and agricultural purposes.

This, it is believed, will greatly enhance government efforts to create a drug-free Laos.

The Acting Deputy Chairman of the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision, Mr Kou Chansina, said that Laos does not currently have any law with such comprehensive coverage to address the issues surrounding drug abuse.

He pointed out that the existing law used to prosecute drug cases is only very loosely identified in Article 146 of Criminal Law, which is insufficient.

Every day, government officials face difficulties in dealing with and resolving cases, because they simply do not have clear guidelines, he said.

“Article 146 identifies only the penalties for lawbreakers, which are themselves very limited, which is why the drafting of this law has been accelerated in accordance with a direct Prime Ministerial Order,” said Mr Kou.

The newly drafted drug law comprises 93 articles, and covers almost every aspect of the misuse of drugs, including drug control, inspections, and the rehabilitation of drug offenders.

Existing criminal law also fails to identify any clear policy or procedure for the remuneration of Lao citizens who supply officials with information that leads to the arrest of offenders and drug abusers, and this has seen limited cooperation from the public.

A policy to recognise those who cooperate in investigations is one of the issues under debate by members during the assembly's 4 th session, with the possibility of Certificates of Congratulation being awarded, said Mr Kou.

“Once the draft law is approved, it will be a convenient tool and important reference for officials when dealing with any drug issue, and also encourage cooperation between the government and the public,” Mr Kou said.

There was some disagreement among assembly members as to whether to replace the current death sentence with life imprisonment for serious drug offences, during a crucial debate on the new law yesterday.

A member from Luang Prabang province, Associate Professor Dr Som-ok Kingsada, also noted his and other members' concerns that the essential use of some drugs for medical purposes could provide a loophole leading to their illicit trade.

Members will decide how to divide the scope of work and responsibility between the government bodies involved, including the ministries of Public Health and Labour and Social Welfare, and also how to safeguard the public during the rehabilitation of drug abusers.