A Lao anti-drug leader has called on the international community to back the nation’s 2009-13 programme on drug control in an effort to turn the vision of a drug-free ASEAN into reality by 2015.

Kou Chansima, Vice Chairman of the Lao National Committee for Drug Control, made the call on Feb. 21 at a reception for international delegates attending a meeting being held by the Working Group on Illicit Drug Control in Savannakhet, Laos , from February 15-18.

He also sought stronger support from the entire nation in the fight against drugs and related crimes, which, he said, are a threat to socio-economic development not only in Laos but also in the world as a whole.

In an effort to step up the fight, the Lao Sub-working Group on Crime held a meeting on February 19 with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and relevant agencies.

The meeting focused on joint measures against illicit drug trafficking and other serious crimes, including a draft action plan and necessary steps to enact the national law on drug control./.