Paek district in Xieng Khuang province is facing an amphetamine abuse problem, after the community was declared opium free in May 2005.

The misuse of amphetamines is a new challenge for drug officials and people in the district, said District Governor Ms Boualy Oudom on Wednesday.

She added that the worst areas for drug use and trafficking are Phonsavanh-tai and Phonsavanhxay villages.

“The district doesn't have a drug treatment centre, so it is quite difficult for drug officials to help drug users. When officials arrest users they can only educate them about the dangers of drugs and send them back to their homes, but if anyone is causing serious problems because of drug abuse they will be sent to jail,” Ms Boualy said.

The problem is spreading to all villages in the district and authorities do not know the exact extent of the issue.

Ms Boualy explained that nearly all drug users in the district are students or are unemployed people, so these groups will be targeted by officials.

“One amphetamine tablet sells for 10,000 to 30,000 kip,” said Ms Boualy.

Authorities face many challenges in their attempt to eradicate drug abuse in the area, but are hopeful of achieving their goal by 2010, Ms Boualy said.

At present, Paek and Kham districts are the worst areas for drug abuse, said an official from the Provincial Committee for Drug Control, Mr Bounhom Thetthany.

Mr Bounhom said Xieng Khuang province had a minor amphetamine problem in 2003, but at the time dealing with opium abuse was considered more urgent.

Last year, drug officials in the province carried out tests on urine samples taken from students from 10 schools in the area. More than 150 students tested positive for drugs.

Teachers at the schools followed up the tests by organising education programmes for the students, explaining abut the dangers of drugs.

Drug officials undertook the tests only in schools because they lack the resources to carry out a wider ranging investigation.

By Meuangkham Noradeth

Vientianetimes