TNAG-0414-FCO40-460-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 166

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HEROIN LABORATORIES IN LAOS

For several years there have been rumors that heroin was being manufactured in laboratories located along the Mekong River par- ticularly in the area of Ban Houei Sai in northwest Laos in the heart of the Golden Triangle, in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Long Cheng. Until recently, efforts to locate such laboratories have been largely fruitless. On August 2, 1971, however, a laboratory was seized at Houei Phee Lork just north of Ban Houei Sai and destroyed by Lao irregular forces. In addition, an opium producing laboratory at Ban Houci Tap was found abandoned. Lao officials believe that the closing of these two laboratories has ended narcotics production in the Ban Houci Sai area.

This optimism may be unwarranted. Laboratories could be operating without the knowledge of the authorities.

One factor supporting the government's assessment, however, is the fact that the enforcement effort in Laos has been stepped up, thus in- creasing the risks of operating such laboratories. This may have re- sulted in some producers moving out of Laos and into the Tachilek area of Burma where there are at least 16 morphine and heroin laboratories in existence. There is no enforcement effort in that part of Burma and operations can be conducted without governmental interference.

There have been unsubstantiated reports that heroin laboratories are also located in Luang Prabang, Pakse, Vientiane, and Long Cheng. Long Cheng is the headquarters of Gen. Vang Pao, leader of the Meo irregular forces which are supported almost entirely by the United States in their struggle against the Pathet Lao and the North Vietnamese.

According to several U.S. officials, there is no evidence indicating that Gen. Vang Pao is involved in the Lao drug trade. It was their opinion that the forces of Vang Pao are the principal Lao deterrent to North Vietnamese aggression and that U.S. Government per- sonnel have been in constant contact with him for a number of years. If he had been involved in the production of and trafficking in nar- cotics it would have been discovered by U.S. authorities and appropri- ate action taken.

In an effort to stop the illegal production of and trafficking in opiates the Lao Government has promulgated a law prohibiting the cultivation of poppies, except under certain controlled conditions. This law became effective on November 15, 1971.

GROUPE SPÉCIALE D'INVESTIGATION (GSI)

On January 2, 1971, the Groupe Spéciale d'Investigation was estab- lished to direct and coordinate implementation of the narcotics law. GSI is currently staffed by 60 trained military and civilian agents. The unit is headed by the Lao Chief of Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Kham- hou Boussarath, who reports directly to the Prime Minister. His juris- diction includes both civilian and military investigations.

The Narcotics Attache of the U.S. Embassy, a BNDD officer, is the principal American adviser to the Director of GSI.

According to Lao officials, if the struggle to control narcotics in Laos is to be successful it will be necessary (1) to control the growing of poppies, (2) to discover and close heroin producing laboratories, and (3) to interdict the movement of narcotics into and out of Laos.