Over 6,000 Crimes Recorded Nationwide In 2020
Source: Vientiane Times
A total of 6,209 crimes were recorded across the country this year, with drug trafficking being the most frequently occurring crime.
A crime report was presented at a meeting in Vientiane on Tuesday to summarise security operations in 2020, attended by Minister of Public Security Lieutenant General Vilay Lakhamfong and other officials, according to the Lao Security News.
The ministry’s Head of Office, Major General Somvan Sailongpha, said that of the 6,209 crimes recorded, illegal drug trading was the most common with 3,519 offences being recorded. In addition, 311 crimes were finance-related, while 153 involved the theft and other crime cases.
Police were able to solve 5,191 crimes and arrested 7,674 people, of whom 999 were women, as well as 117 foreigners including 14 women. Police arrested 4,984 people on drugs charges. Police operations netted 1,617kg of amphetamine tablets, 380kg of heroin, 4,400kg of cannabis, 3,476kg of crystal methamphetamine and other substances.
Security officials also confiscated 145 cars, 715 motorcycles, two boats, 92 guns, and other items from drug dealers and traffickers.
Meanwhile, there were 5,399 road accidents across the country involving 824 fatalities. Some 7,897 people were injured and 9,578 vehicles were damaged. In addition, 158 fires were recorded, killing 10 people, injuring four others and causing over 313 billion kip in damage.
The Ministry of Public Security noted that 87 houses were destroyed and another 19 were damaged, along with 10 temple buildings, 10 schools, four warehouses, 15 shops, two restaurants, and other property which was damaged or destroyed.
Seventy-three of the fires were caused by electrical faults, 14 were due to arson, 32 occurred through carelessness, and others are still being investigated.
