Colombo Plan’s Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes Strengthens Regional Drug-Policy Ties During Kaohsiung Visit
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan — November 6, 2025
The Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan, Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes, visited the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office today to exchange experiences on drug prevention, treatment, and criminal justice collaboration. He met with the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office Chief Prosecutor Huang, Yuan Kuan, accompanied by TADTP Secretary-General Huang, Di-Wei, and TADTP advisors Prosecutor Lin, Ta, and Mr. Andrew Malanga.
The Colombo Plan was established in 1950 by seven Commonwealth countries and has since grown to 28-member states. In addition to its broader mission of promoting economic and social development, the organization works closely with the United Nations through its Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) to strengthen international cooperation in drug prevention, treatment, and policy.
During the visit, Dr. Reyes introduced the Colombo Plan’s Drug Advisory Programme, the Asia–Pacific region’s earliest and largest intergovernmental platform for drug control. The program brings together policy support, capacity building, academic research, public education, and multi-sector professional networks. It aims to integrate prevention, treatment, recovery, and law-enforcement strategies while supporting governments and organizations in responding to emerging drug challenges.
Dr. Reyes also highlighted the Colombo Plan’s ongoing collaboration with the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, its leadership in advancing alternative sentencing measures, and its role in launching the International Consortium for Alternatives to Incarceration.
Chief Prosecutor Huang shared Kaohsiung’s recent progress in drug-prevention work, including a tripartite model involving the Kaohsiung City Government Department of Substance Abuse Control and Prevention Center, local medical institutions, and NGOs. Their approach—using deferred prosecution paired with mandated addiction treatment—has significantly reduced recidivism and improved community outcomes.
Dr. Reyes praised the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office for its dedication and strong results, expressing hope for continued cooperation through international conferences, expert exchanges, and joint initiatives. Following the meeting, the delegation toured the Office’s group counseling room, comfort room, and polygraph facilities to gain deeper insight into local judicial procedures and support services.
Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office Chief Prosecutor Huang, Yuan Kuan (7th from right), Colombo Plan Secretary-General Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes (6th from right), Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lin, Chih-Yu (6th from left), TADTP advisor prosecutor Lin, Ta (4th from right), TADTP Advisor Mr. Andrew Malanga (5th from right), and TADTP Secretary-General Huang, Di-Wei (1st from right).
Chief Prosecutor Huang, Yuan Kuan, briefed the Colombo Plan Secretary-General on the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office’s drug prevention and control initiatives.