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 key factors contributing to the increase in opium cultivation in Myanmar, and what strategies can be implemented to address these underlying issues?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Chen, Drug Policy Expert**
**Host:** Welcome to our program, Dr. Chen. Thank you for joining us today. With the recent reports indicating that Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan as the world’s leading opium producer, can you explain how the political turmoil in Myanmar has contributed to this situation?
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. The situation in Myanmar is quite dire. Following the military coup in February 2021, the country has seen a significant escalation in conflict and instability. This unrest has severely disrupted local economies and pushed many farmers towards the only viable cash crop left: opium poppy. In areas like Moe Bye, we see displaced people turning to illegal poppy cultivation simply to survive, especially with ongoing fighting between the military and groups like the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) [[1](https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/12/1144702)].
**Host:** That’s a tragic scenario. You mentioned that the conflict has created a push towards illicit activities. What role does international policy, specifically regarding drug production, play in this context?
**Dr. Chen:** International policies often aim to eradicate poppy cultivation, but they often overlook the underlying socio-economic issues. Strict measures can inadvertently drive farmers deeper into illegal production, as seen in Afghanistan where the Taliban’s ban on poppy cultivation left many no option but to seek alternative markets for their income. As Myanmar’s political and economic situation has worsened, it has become increasingly attractive for farmers to grow opium, especially with its rising market value. Recent reports indicate that opium production in Myanmar surged by 36% in 2023—a staggering figure that highlights the urgency of rethinking drug policies[[1](https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/12/1144702)].
**Host:** You mentioned the economic aspect as a push factor. Can you elaborate on how global developments, such as restrictions in Afghanistan, have impacted Myanmar’s drug production?
**Dr. Chen:** Certainly. The Taliban’s prohibition on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan created a vacuum in the market that Myanmar has been quick to fill. Historically, Afghanistan was the dominant player in opium production, but with the Taliban’s hardline stance since 2022, we have seen a significant relocation of opium production activities to Myanmar. Farmers there are capitalizing on this shift, which has led to a substantial increase in cultivation area and production over the past two years[[1](https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/12/1144702)].
**Host:** It sounds like a complex interplay of local and global factors. As an expert, what are some actionable steps that can help address this crisis beyond merely combating drug production?
**Dr. Chen:** A multifaceted approach is needed. First and foremost, addressing the root causes of poverty and instability in regions like Myanmar is essential. This means investing in legitimate economic opportunities, providing aid, and supporting governance reforms. Additionally, international cooperation is crucial to ensure that drug policies are consistent and that they consider the socio-economic realities faced by farmers. Ultimately, we have to create environments where growing opium is not the only option left for survival[[1](https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/12/1144702)].
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for sharing your insights. It’s evident that addressing the crisis in Myanmar requires a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond strict anti-drug measures.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. It’s a complex issue, but with the right focus and resources, positive change is possible.
