PROVINCIAL officials in Savannakhet province attended an anti-drug seminar last weekend, chaired by provincial governor Sileua Bounkham, and attended by Mr Souban Salithilad, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of the National Drug Control Committee, district chiefs, teachers and students.

Mr Sileua said that urine tests conducted in the past revealed that there is a rising trend of youths using drugs. As such, he urged the local authorities to work closely with schools and parents to tackle the problem. While it is important to prevent the widespread of the problem, it is also important not to get youths started on drugs in the first place, added Mr Sileua.

The key, said Mr Souban, is to engage youths in healthy activities so that they can stay away from drugs. He encouraged the relevant authorities to run awareness campaigns so that young people know the negative impacts of drug use. The society will benefit eventually, Mr Souban added.