VIENTIANE, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has called for efforts to join with the international community in the fight against the illicit drug trade and substance abuse.

In his statement delivered Tuesday to mark the 31st anniversary of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the premier underlined the need to combat the illicit trade and abuse.

According to the state-run Lao News Agency (KPL) on Wednesday, Prime Minister Thongloun recognized the severe impact that illicit drugs have on health, development, peace and security.

Around 190,000 people die due to illicit drugs every year around the world, according to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC).

"As we have known that narcotics is a comprehensive issue of the world that is harmful to human beings. It is source of crimes and corruption, restrains national socio-economic development and causes great loss for individuals and their families who are its slaves," said the prime minister.

"Narcotic drugs continue to be big problem for the Lao society," he said.

The prime minister has urged the public to actively participate in combating, preventing and tackling drug issues, and expected the international community to support anti-drug efforts of the government and people of the Laos.