2024-11-23 17:00:00
Displaced people working in illegal poppy fields to earn a living during fighting between the Myanmar military and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) in Moe Bye in Pekon township, on the border of Karen State and southern Shan State. February 26, 2024 STR / AFP
The instability in Burma since the coup d’état of February 2021 and the expansion of the civil war have favored an increase in the production of opium, but also of synthetic drugs: Burma is at the heart of a new boom of crime in the Golden Triangle, this contiguous region between Burma, Laos and Thailand crossed by the Mekong River for nearly 100 kilometers.
Covid, then the coup d’état of 2021, both generating greater uncertainty for farmers, and finally, in Afghanistan, the strict ban by the Taliban on poppy cultivation in April 2022 contributed to the return of Burma at the forefront in terms of drug production: the country once again became the leading producer of opium in 2022, while reversing for the second year in a row the downward trend recorded since 2013. This was favored by the democratization of the country and an economic boom fueled by the influx of foreign investments.
This article is taken from “Special Issue Le Monde – Drug traffickers: their networks, their crimes, the response”November-December 2024, on sale at kiosks or online by going to on our store website.
In 2023, estimated cultivated areas increased by a further 18% compared to 2022, according to the report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) of December 2023. Dry opium production is estimated at 1,080 tonnes, or 36% more than in 2022 – and just 20 tonnes short of the historic record of 2001 (1,100 tonnes). tons). The gross value of the entire opiate economy – including both the value of domestic consumption and exports of opium and heroin – in Burma in 2023 is estimated in this report to be between 1 and 2, $5 billion, or approximately 2% to 4% of national GDP in 2022. UNODC experts, based in Bangkok, use satellite images as well as on-site inspections to arrive at these estimates.
Many clandestine laboratories
The majority of opium production, 88%, is concentrated in Shan State, the largest and most populous, with nearly six million inhabitants, of the seven Burmese states which form the multi-ethnic crown of the country. This is also where the majority of synthetic drugs from South-East Asia come from, which in turn irrigate all of Asia: drug seizures, the only way to measure the extent of this production dispersed in laboratories, reached a record in 2023; 169 tonnes of methamphetamine were seized in South-East Asia in 2023, and three quarters in Burma, Thailand and Laos, out of a total of 190 tonnes discovered in Asia. Shan State “remains the epicenter of methamphetamine production” for Asia, saysUNODCnoting that “However, the Burmese authorities have not identified any significant methamphetamine manufacturing facilities there since April 2020”.
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What are the main factors contributing to the rise of opium production in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021, and how does this impact local communities?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Chen, Regional Expert on Southeast Asian Drug Politics**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. Let’s dive right into the current situation in Myanmar. Given the significant rise in opium production since the military coup in 2021, particularly among displaced communities, what are the key factors driving this increase?
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. The rise in opium production in Myanmar is largely driven by the instability created by the coup and the ongoing civil conflict. As you mentioned, many displaced individuals are turning to poppy cultivation as a means of survival amid the fighting and economic uncertainty. The lack of viable livelihood options pushes them toward illegal activities, and unfortunately, opium farming has historically been a lucrative, albeit risky, choice.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen reports that Myanmar has now overtaken Afghanistan as the world’s leading opium producer. What does this shift signify for drug trafficking in the region, especially in the context of the Golden Triangle?
**Dr. Chen:** Yes, this shift is quite critical. The Golden Triangle, which encompasses Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, has always been notorious for drug production, but Myanmar’s position as the top producer marks a significant turning point. This is not only due to increased production levels in Myanmar but also because of the Taliban’s ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan in 2022, which redirected some of the global opium market’s focus to Myanmar. With the ongoing civil war, there’s a surge in both opium and synthetic drug production, exacerbating crime and instability in the region.
**Interviewer:** In terms of the geopolitical implications, how are neighboring countries responding to this surge in drug production?
**Dr. Chen:** Neighboring countries are deeply concerned about the drug trade spilling over their borders. Countries like Thailand have ramped up border security and drug enforcement efforts, but these measures can often lead to violent confrontations. The challenge is compounded by the ongoing fighting in Myanmar and the complex, interwoven relationships between local farmers, armed groups, and drug traffickers. regional cooperation is essential, but it’s hindered by varying national interests and capabilities.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the economic instability following the coup and the COVID-19 pandemic plays a role in this crisis. How can the international community address these underlying issues to help stabilize the region?
**Dr. Chen:** Addressing the root causes of this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. The international community should focus on providing humanitarian aid, supporting development projects that offer alternatives to opium farming, and helping to establish peace talks among conflicting parties. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that economic assistance does not inadvertently support the military regime. A coordinated effort is needed, emphasizing local engagement and empowerment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights into this complex and pressing issue. It’s clear that the situation in Myanmar is dire, and ongoing attention and action are necessary.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital we keep this conversation going and push for meaningful change.