Illicit Drug use in the Asia Pacific Region - Burnet Institute

Situational analysis of illicit drug issues and responses in the Asia–Pacific region
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Project title
Drug Supply and Demand Reduction in
Border Areas of North-Western Lao PDR
Aims
The objective of this project is to reduce opium
production and consumption among ethnic
minorities in the highlands communities of
Luang Namtha Province .
Summary
Among the mosaic of ethnic groups living in
Laos, it is the Lao Soung, or highland groups,
including the Lahu, Hmong, Akha, Lanten
and Mien hilltribe people (all represented
in the area of this project) who are usually
associated with opium cultivation . This is a
result of their inhabiting the higher elevations,
where the opium poppy grows best, and the
historical, political and cultural nature of their
association with opium production and use .
Opium poppy production areas are generally
mountainous, remote and isolated, lacking
roads, other means of communication, health
and education facilities and access to markets .
Termed ‘rice deficit’, these areas commonly
suffer from shortages of home-grown rice
for up to six months, before the subsequent
rice harvest each year . Thus, there commonly
exists a dependency on opium as a major
source of cash for the purchase of rice and
other necessities to compensate for shortfalls
. In addition, while the main illegal drug
of addiction in the Lao PDR remains opium,
there is new evidence that shows alarming
trends in terms of both the number and age
of addicts .
Timeframe
NA
Percentage of project relating to drugs
NA
Project type
Alternative development
Reports to
NA
Funding source
NA
Organisation
UNODC Laos
Contact
Patrick Ackerman
Project title
United Nations Nonghet Alternative
Development Project
Aims
Through alternative development reducing
opium production and abuse by at least 50
per cent in Nonghet district .
Developing an understanding of opium abuse
and of ways to address the problem; and
creating the conditions and opportunities for
the long-term reduction of drug abuse .
Summary
The interventions aimed at reducing dependency
on opium poppy cultivation for
cash will include: (i) increased food security;
(ii) increased cash incomes from alternative
sources (including livestock, crops and nonagricultural
activities), and (iii) improved
market access and marketing . For these
initiatives to be effective there needs to be
an awareness of the illicit nature of opium
cultivation amongst the target population,
which the government will be instrumental
in delivering . Furthermore, appropriate
agreements will be established between
the participating villagers and the District
Chief s Office (i .e . the District Drug Control
Committee) on the gradual phasing out of
opium production .
The project will also identify and develop
culturally appropriate approaches to drug
demand reduction in the district and elsewhere
in the province . The project will prepare
and implement drug demand reduction
activities throughout the province, but with
the major focus in Nonghet . Broad-based
drug demand reduction services will be
developed wherein community preparation
and follow-up are given more importance
than the detoxification itself and where
prevention issues are given equal importance
to treatment .
Timeframe
NA
Percentage of project relating to drugs
NA
Project type
Alternative development
Reports to
NA
Funding source
NA
Organisation
UNODC Laos
Contact
Patrick Ackerman
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Appendix B: Regional aid projects, in full