Summary Outcomes of the 4th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters 

(4th AMMD)

29 October 2015

 

The 4th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (4th AMMD) chaired by Hon. DatoÔÇÖ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Malaysia was held Langkawi, Malaysia on 29 October 2015. The Meeting was attended by ASEAN Ministers responsible for drug matters, the Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community Department, Heads of Anti-drugs Agencies and their respective delegations

The ASEAN Ministers highlighted the challenges of drugs threat facing the region. The Ministers shared their concerns about the following:

a.Increased opiate drug production in the Golden Crescent;

b.Threat of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and diversion of precursors that continue to flow into this region; and

c.Increased threat of synthetic drugs, particularly New Psychoactive Substances, and the challenges posed to law enforcement. and agreed for greater collaboration and cooperation among the ASEAN Member States in tackling this heinous crime. 

The Ministers commended the efforts made by the ASEAN Airport Interdiction Task Force (AAITF) and the ASEAN-Narcotics Coordination Centre (ASEAN-NARCO) to strengthen cooperation among members.

The Ministers also called on all Member States to continue their efforts to improve treatment and rehabilitation programmes, with consideration for scientific and evidence-based practices. The involvement of families, communities and NGOs in such programmes is highly recommended. 

The Ministers recognised the importance of continuous education campaigns, especially for youth and high risk groups, as these groups are vulnerable to drug abuse.

The regional aspiration of a Drug Free ASEAN will continue to be pursued by all ASEAN Member States and in order to achieve this vision a more comprehensive work plan was desirable. In this regard, the Ministers agreed to the development of the Post-2015 ASOD Work Plan. The Ministers welcomed IndonesiaÔÇÖs offer to host a workshop to deliberate on this matter.

In ensuring that the ASEAN voice on the threat of drugs is delivered in a cohesive manner the Ministers agreed to the adoption of the ASEAN Position Statement at the 59th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in March 2016 and at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session 2016 (UNGASS 2016) on the World Drug Problem. 

The Ministers welcomed the proposal by Singapore to host the 5th AMMD in Singapore in 2016.

The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN hospitality and cordiality

 

 

Langkawi, Malaysia

29 October 2015