Security Forces Destroy Illegal Opium Fields in Yot Ou District, Phongsaly

Phnom penh: Security forces in Yot Ou District have recently destroyed nearly 10 hectares of illegally cultivated opium following a tip-off from local residents, provincial authorities said. According to Lao News Agency, the operation was led by the Phongsaly Provincial Security Command's Drug Inspection and Control Department in coordination with national defense-security forces and district authorities. The crackdown took place in Ban Phan, Phu Ta San area (Huay Tong). Officials reported that inspections confirmed illegal cultivation across 21 plots covering approximately 9.8 hectares. The crops were destroyed on site to prevent harvesting and reuse of opium pods as seeds. Authorities also conducted awareness activities with local residents, warning of the dangers of narcotics and the legal consequences of illegal cultivation. The operation was carried out in line with national measures to intensify drug interdiction and combat illicit crop production under the government's anti-drug agenda. Officials called on all sectors of society to cooperate in preventing drug production and trafficking and to support efforts to reduce narcotics-related problems nationwide.