Thailand is witnessing a surge in illegal drug trafficking from Myanmar due to ongoing civil conflict, with significant increases in the seizures of methamphetamines and heroin. The drug trade has been linked to armed groups financing their activities amidst the turmoil, raising alarms about public health and safety.
In recent months, Thailand has experienced a significant increase in illegal drug trafficking from neighboring Myanmar, attributed to the ongoing civil conflict in that country. Thai officials from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) reported staggering rises in the seizures of methamphetamine and heroin, highlighting that the northern region of Thailand has become a primary route for drug smuggling. Apikit Ch.Rojprasert, a senior official with the ONCB, noted that criminal organizations have established alliances with various militias and rebel groups within Myanmar to facilitate the manufacturing of drugs in so-called “super labs” located in the war-torn Shan and Kachin States. The civil strife, instigated by a military coup in 2021, has provided a fertile ground for drug production, as armed factions turn to drug trade as a means to finance their operations. Apikit emphasized the importance of vigilance in combating crime associated with drug trafficking due to the armed conflict’s influence on these illegal activities. Additionally, the ONCB data revealed a dramatic surge in methamphetamine tablet seizures, with a 172% increase recorded in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son in the first eight months of the year compared to all of the previous year, resulting in 346 million pills seized. The situation is compounded by a notable drop in the market prices of meth pills, indicating that despite greater enforcement efforts, a substantial volume of drugs continues to escape detection. General Narit Thanwornwong, head of Thailand’s drug suppression unit, expressed concerns regarding approximately 50 million meth pills that are believed to be poised for further trafficking into Thailand. He acknowledged that not all armed groups involved in the political turmoil are engaged in drug trafficking, suggesting the involvement of separate organizations in the production and distribution of narcotics.
The ongoing civil war in Myanmar has created a complex nexus between armed conflict and the surge in drug trafficking activities, particularly affecting Thailand. The military’s seizure of power in 2021 has destabilized the governance and rule of law in Myanmar, consequently facilitating increased drug production and smuggling activities. Organized crime networks are reportedly collaborating with various insurgency factions, leveraging the chaos for profit by establishing lucrative drug production facilities. This situation has triggered an uptick in the trafficking of synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamines, which has dire implications for public health and safety in neighboring countries, especially Thailand, which serves as a prevalent market and transit hub for these illicit substances.
The interplay between Myanmar’s civil strife and the rise in drug trafficking poses significant challenges for regional stability and law enforcement efforts. The findings from the ONCB underline the urgent need for collaborative strategies among neighboring countries to combat the drug trade, as well as addressing the underlying issues contributing to the violence and instability in Myanmar. The alarming statistics regarding methamphetamine and heroin seizures indicate that the drug problem in the region is deepening, necessitating immediate and effective intervention measures from both Thai authorities and regional partners.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
