Myanmar hosted the Central Authorities Meeting of the Mekong Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Drug Control member states yesterday. The event was conducted via videoconference at the meeting hall of the Myanmar Police Force’s Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) Office in Nay Pyi Taw.

During the opening ceremony, Officiating Police Brig-Gen Thant Lwin Maung, Joint Secretary of the CCDAC and Commanter of Drug Eaforcement Division highlighted the Mekong MoU as a vital framework for regional drug control collaboration. He emphasized the member states’ continued efforts in suppression, treatment, rehabilitation, and alternative development to reduce opium cultivation and the significant achievements from these joint actions. He underscored Myanmar is going to analyze drug production, trafficking trends and routes while implementing annual operations and remains committed to strengthening joint efforts with Mekong countries.

He also underlined the importance of chemical precursor control to prevent illicit entry and misuse, urging member states to cooperate and calling on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for further assistance. He also stressed the necessity of depoliticized cooperation and information sharing among countries to address the drug problem effectively.

Representatives from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and UNODC participated in the meeting. Key discussions included the regional drug situation, priorities for 2025, preparations for the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, where Mekong MoU members plan to host a side event, drafting of the Mekong Sub-Regional Action Plan-13 and senior officer-level and ministerial meetings in 2025. — MNA/KZL

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