ASEAN agrees to continue efforts to make region drug-free

LANGKAWI (PNA/Bernama) – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministers responsible for drug matters thursday agreed to continue pursuing their common aspirations to ensure the region is drug-free.

In a joint statement issued at the end of the Fourth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMDM) here on Thursday, they agreed that a more comprehensive work plan should be in place to achieve the aspirations.

“The ministers agreed to the adoption of the ASEAN Position Statement at the 59th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2016 and at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session 2016 on the world drug problem,” they said.

The meeting which started with the Senior Officials meeting on Wednesday was declared open earlier on Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also home minister.

Increased opiate drug production, threat of amphetaminetype stimulants and increased threat of synthetic drugs were among the concerns shared during the meeting.

The ministers commended the efforts by the ASEAN Airport Interdiction Task Force and the ASEAN Narcotics Coordination Centre to strengthen cooperation among their members.

They also called on all Member States to continue their efforts to improve treatment and rehabilitation programs, with consideration for scientific and evidence-based practices.

“The ministers recognized the importance of continuous education campaigns, especially for youth and high-risk groups, as these groups are vulnerable to drug abuse,” they added.

Singapore will host the Fifth AMMDM next year.