Laos, Thailand exchange knowledge on precursor chemicals
Prevention and control in the import-export of precursor chemicals and equipment for narcotics processing will help reduce illegal narcotics production in Laos, according to the Drug Control Bureau.
The Drug Control Bureau under the Ministry of Public Security has been cooperating with both local and foreign partners, especially in the Golden Triangle area, in controlling the import and export of precursor chemicals to prevent the chemicals use in illegal narcotics processing.
The Drug Control Bureau and the Narcotics Control Board Office of Thailand are holding a joint training course on an introduction to precursor chemicals and field testing, running from June 5 and 6 in Vientiane.
Some thirty trainees from Huaphan, Luang Namtha, Bokeo and Champassak provinces are taking part in the training to exchange and upgrade their skillsets with trainers from Thailand.
Deputy Director General of the Drug Control Bureau, Lieutenant Colonel Vongxay Phanthavong and Senior Narcotics Control Advisor of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, Vittawan Sunthornkajit co-chaired the training course’s opening ceremony held yesterday.
According to some of the information provided at the training course, the groups of chemicals that are usually involved in drug analysis processes include precursors, reagents, solvents and catalysts.
The course also suggested that there are different types of clandestine drug laboratories including clandestine heroin and methamphetamine laboratories along with other drugs.
Lieutenant Colonel Vongxay said that the training course would help all participants upgrade their skills on inspections and controlling the precursor chemicals and increase their knowledge regarding their day-to-day work.
The training will also help develop the country’s 2016-2020 Drug Control and Prevention Plan, especially its corresponding Precursor Chemicals Control Plan, he said.
In addition, authorities continue to provide evidence by doing analysis on drugs that have been seized from drug suspects in targeted areas at trials.
Authorities have so far always reported the import and export of precursor chemicals of local businesses to relevant international organisations.