The civil conflict in Myanmar has intensified the cross-border drug trade, particularly affecting Thailand, according to officials. The ATD (Apikit Ch.Rojprasert) noted a significant rise in drug seizures, with methamphetamines and heroin leading the statistics. Armed groups are reportedly collaborating with organized crime to establish large-scale production sites, creating substantial challenges for Thai authorities who are working to mitigate drug trafficking.
A civil war in Myanmar has exacerbated the illegal drug trade, significantly impacting Thailand, according to senior officials in the Thai government. Apikit Ch.Rojprasert, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), stated that the conflict has fueled trafficking, particularly of methamphetamines and heroin. The northern region of Thailand has become the primary route for drug traffickers, who transport these substances via mountainous paths and the Mekong River from Myanmar. The ONCB reported a dramatic increase in drug seizures, indicating that organized crime networks have begun collaborating with militias and rebel groups in Myanmar to establish large-scale production facilities, commonly referred to as “super labs,” in the Shan and Kachin states. While Myanmar’s junta has indicated a willingness to combat the narcotics trade with neighboring countries, the realities of the conflict suggest that drug trafficking plays a substantial role in financing armed groups involved in combat operations. In the first eight months of this year, drug seizures in northern Thailand soared: meth tablet confiscations rose by 172% to 346 million pills, while crystal meth seizures climbed 39% to 6.48 tons. Heroin trafficking has also surged, with 327 kg seized, almost seven times more than the total seized throughout 2023. Despite these increased seizures, the cost of meth pills in Thailand has remarkably declined, indicating that a significant volume of drugs remains undeterred by law enforcement efforts. General Narit Thanwornwong, head of Thailand’s drug suppression task force for the northern border, emphasized that more than 50 million meth pills are believed to be at risk of being trafficked into Thailand. He noted that while some factions involved in the fighting against the junta are implicated in drug trafficking, there are also other entities not directly engaged in the conflict that contribute to the drug production and distribution networks. The increase in drug seizures in northern Thailand aligns closely with the political upheaval in Myanmar following the military coup in 2021, which has seen methamphetamine, amphetamines, and heroin trafficking escalate significantly.
The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which began in 2021 following a coup by the military, has led to widespread instability and has had extensive socio-economic implications. One critical issue is the rise in drug production and trafficking, as the chaos creates fertile grounds for organized crime. Research by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has indicated a significant uptick in both synthetic drug production and opium cultivation in the region. The intertwining of the drug trade with armed conflict complicates efforts to combat narcotics, as various militia groups seek financing through drug sales. This dynamic has considerable repercussions for neighboring countries, particularly Thailand, which is witnessing a sharp increase in drug-related incidents and law enforcement challenges.
In conclusion, the civil war in Myanmar has exacerbated the illegal drug trade, with Thailand experiencing a notable surge in drug seizures, particularly of methamphetamines and heroin. The collaboration between organized crime and militant groups has established a robust trafficking network that poses significant challenges for law enforcement. Despite increased seizures, the decline in street prices suggests that a considerable amount of drugs is still making its way into Thailand, indicating that urgent action and international cooperation are needed to address this pressing issue.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
