Malaysia Looking to Eradicate Drugs Indefinitely by 2015 May 28, 2009
Posted by roberte in : Addcition, Asia, Drug Laws and Regulations, Narcotics, Substance Abuse, Worldwide , add a comment
Malaysia recently made headlines when it undertook an aggressive initiative to eradicate drugs by 2015. The program is known as, “Rakan Anti-Dadah (Rada)” and was introduced by the country’s National Anti-Drug Agency (Nada). So, how exactly does Malaysia “realistically” intend to complete it goal? Well, with the help of the 100,000 volunteers it is actively seeking to join the effort.
According to NADA Director-general Datuk Abd Bakir, the ides is to have youth members join the effort and serve as the eyes and ears of the movement; the ideal target would be rural youths. NADA believes the higher concentration of drug use and crime in rural areas can be curbed and eventually eradicated by youths, as they easily infiltrate and blend in. The goal is that they report the drug-related activities to authorities.
Bakir said that the Malaysia National Anti-Drug Agency has been sending its officers to meet with students and trainees at local at local branch offices of the national service camps across the country, in order to meet the goal of 1,000 newly registered members from each of Malaysia’s providences.
Addiction to New Drug (Yabaa) Affects Laos May 23, 2009
Posted by roberte in : Addcition, Asia, Drug Laws and Regulations, Narcotics, Substance Abuse, Worldwide , add a comment
A large portion of the Laos population is suffering from addiction to a new drug known as “yabaa”. “Yabaa”, which translates to “crazy drug”, is an amphetamine that is easily acquired due to its low price and high availability. The elevated consumption of “yabaa” in Laos is being attributed to the highly addictive property of the drug.
The United Nations’ office of Drug and Crime (UNODC) has estimated that of the 6 million inhabitants of Laos, approximately 40,000 of them are dealing with an addiction to “yabaa”. The UNODC has also pointed out that, currently, the Laos government does not have the means or resources necessary to deal with this new problem.
When it comes to drug related issues in Laos, the legal system generally takes on a punitive approach; for example, drug dealing is punished with life in prison or a death sentence. However, due to lack of funds, a new approach with a rehabilitation-focus is being taken. The new director of the Somsanga Center for Rehabilitation and Treatment, Sisuphanh Boupha, has implemented several changes to help addicts rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
