The 45th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD) commenced yesterday morning, hosted by the Philippines. Myanmar’s delegation, led by Officiating Police Brig-Gen Thant Lwin Maung, Joint Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and Head of the Drug Enforcement Division, attended the meeting virtually from Nay Pyi Taw.

At the meeting, Myanmar handed over the ASOD chairmanship to the Philippines, with the Philippines’ representative delivering a welcome address. The Myanmar delegation highlighted the need for continued regional cooperation to ensure ASEAN is free from drug-related threats. They also expressed gratitude to the ASEAN Secretariat and member states for their support during Myanmar’s chairmanship.

The meeting was attended by representatives from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, AFP, UNODC, and the Colombo Plan, who discussed international, regional, and national efforts to combat illegal drug activities. Topics included reviewing the implementation of past decisions, ASEAN’s 2016-2025 work plan, and preparations for the 46th ASOD meeting.

On 2 October, meetings of five ASOD task forces – Prevention and Education, Treatment and Rehabilitation, Law Enforcement, Research, and Alternative Development – were held, attended by representatives from all 10 ASEAN member countries. They discussed public awareness campaigns, drug rehabilitation, and collaboration on controlling precursor chemicals and addressing the growing synthetic drug problem. The 45th ASOD will continue until 4 October.

MNA/KZL

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