CNA Jul 18 25
OpinionCommentary: Myanmar’s war is exacerbating a flood of meth across Southeast Asia:
Synthetic drug production and trafficking in the region, particularly out of ...
channelnewsasia.com/commentary/meth-drugs-southeast-asia-myanmar-shan-state-military-coup-5243146
Photo: channelnewsasia.com · view article
Myanmar Conflict Fuels Southeast Asia’s Meth CrisisIn 2024, meth seizures hit a record 236 tonnes, with Shan State identified as the world’s largest meth production hub.
Key FactsJul 18, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: channelnewsasia.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: channelnewsasia.com
- The armed conflict in Myanmar has driven exponential growth in methamphetamine production in Shan State.
- Located in the Golden Triangle, Shan State is the world's most geographically concentrated meth manufacturing area.
- Criminal groups employ advanced technology and encrypted communication to traffic meth via land and maritime routes.
- ASEAN and neighboring countries are increasing cooperation, but lasting resolution depends on peace among Myanmar’s factions.
It’s a nationwide epidemic.— Ms Sritrakool Waeladee, director of the foreign affairs bureau of the ONCB, at a recent briefing at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand.
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CNA Jul 18 25
OpinionCommentary: Myanmar’s war is powering a meth pipeline the region is struggling to stop
channelnewsasia.com/commentary/meth-drugs-southeast-asia-myanmar-shan-state-military-coup-5243146
Upended by Meth, Some Communities Are Paying Users to Quit: Unlike with opioids, there is no medication to suppress cravings for meth and other stimulants ...
nytimes.com/2025/07/16/health/meth-addiction-treatment-contingency-management.html
Reports of deadly batch of meth circulating in Birmingham under investigation: The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office are investigating five suspected overdoses.
al.com/news/2025/07/reports-of-deadly-batch-of-meth-circulating-in-birmingham-under-investigation.html
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Key FactsMethamphetamine Surge in Asia’s Golden Triangle Region
May 29, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
- The Golden Triangle region spanning Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand is experiencing rapid growth in methamphetamine production and trafficking.
- Thailand intercepted 130 tons last year, the highest ever, while trafficking from Myanmar's Shan State is expanding into Laos and Cambodia.
- Myanmar's ongoing civil war since 2021 has facilitated drug flows extending into South Asia, particularly Northeast India.
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