Brunei Darussalam remains steadfast under the stance of zero tolerance approach to protect the citizens and residents of the Sultanate from the effects and dangers of drug abuse.
The Sultanate has also reaffirmed its commitment in supporting regional and international efforts in dealing with the threats of drug smuggling and drug abuse.
This was said by Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu in a statement during the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) Meeting in Vientiane, Lao yesterday. The AMMD meeting held every two years attended by ministers, heads of delegation from ASEAN member countries who are responsible for drug issues. The 8th AMMD was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security of Lao Police General Vilay Lakhamfong.
During the 8th AMMD, a Joint ASEAN Statement was endorsed by the ministers reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment towards a zero tolerance approach in realising ASEAN’s aspiration of a drug-free region. The joint statement will be delivered at the high-level segment at the 67th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2024 in Vienna, Austria.
The chairman’s statement affirms its strong commitment to strengthen the role of the AMMD in coordinating a coherent, comprehensive and effective ASEAN strategy in realisation of a drug-free ASEAN with strict adherence to the rule of law and observance of human rights while maintaining respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of ASEAN member states.
The Philippines as the 45th Chair of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) next year was tasked to conduct the Final Review of the ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025 (ASEAN Work Plan 2016-2025) and submit the outcomes for consideration at the 9th AMMD in 2025.
Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian along with Heads of Delegation of AMMD and ASOD also paid a courtesy call on Police General Lakhamfong, the Chair of the 8th AMMD, on matters of mutual interest between ASEAN member countries in enhancing cooperation.
Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian also held a courtesy call with Minister of State, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of National Development of Singapore Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the Sultanate and Singapore in dealing with the drug threats and challenges.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director Dato Paduka Mohd Zalani bin Haji Ismail and senior officials from the PMO and NCB also participated.
