Myanmar burns US $525 million of illegal drugs

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Naypyidaw: Home Affairs Minister Nyunt Win Swe oversaw the destruction of a massive narcotics haul on Friday to mark the UN’s International Day Against Drug Abuse.

The seized inventory, which doubled the quantity burned last year, was incinerated during ceremonies across Yangon, Mandalay, and Taunggyi.

Police reported that the haul included over 28 tonnes of methamphetamine, known as ‘ice,’ which accounted for the largest volume among the 31 classes of narcotics destroyed.

This event highlights Myanmar's current status as the world’s largest opium producer and the primary source of methamphetamine in Southeast Asia.

Minister Nyunt Win Swe blamed rebel factions for exploiting the political instability following the 2021 military putsch to expand the illicit trade. Analysts confirm that the resulting civil war has allowed various armed groups to profit significantly from unregulated narcotics production.

While officials assert these burnings aim to combat the persistent danger posed by drug production, the industry continues to flourish.

Since the 2021 coup, unregulated mining, scam centers, and drug manufacturing have thrived in the power vacuum left by the collapse of previous governance.

Photo Credits: AFP