National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) secretary-general Meas Vyrith said anti-drug activities were still strong despite the difficult environment presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vyrith made the remarks on October 13 at the closing ceremony of the meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) held virtually in the presence of representatives of drug enforcement agencies from ASEAN member states.

The meeting was a lead-up to the 7th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drugs in Phnom Penh.

“Solidarity, strong will, clear mechanisms, responsibility and the good cooperation of all relevant institutions in national and international frameworks have led to an effective fight against drugs. All ASEAN nations have been involved in the fight, especially in the difficult environment presented by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

He added that past lessons and experiences had assisted in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of combating drugs, in addition to high responsibility and good cooperation of all relevant institutions in national and international frameworks.

“Based on this view and the practical situation and trends of drug production, trafficking and use have decreased in ASEAN countries. I noted that the ASEAN mechanisms had really contributed and played an important role in combating the threat of drugs not only in the region but also globally,” he said.