Commemorative Events: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Myanmar marked the 39th International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, with nationwide destruction events of confiscated drugs and chemicals substance.

In Taunggyi, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Min Thu, attended the drug destruction event at Awaiyar Konethaya Balloon Ground and at HteePhaung village tract, together with senior Tatmadaw officials, local residents and concerned officials.

During the events, seized drugs and chemical substances worth more than 617 billion kyats (over US$168 million) were destroyed.

The seized drugs include over 472 kg of opium, 233 kg of heroin, over 85 million stimulant tablets, over 11,000 kg of ice, about 1,400 kg of ketamine, 53 kg of Happy Water, 85 kg of marijuana and 69 types of chemical substances.

On a separate occasion, a commemorative ceremony was held at Taunggyi City Hall, with the attendance of Speaker and representatives of Shan State Hluttaw, state government members and concerned officials. Awards were presented to winners of commemorative literature and music competitions and individuals recognized for outstanding contributions to drug abuse control. Similar events were also held in Yagon and Mandalay.

In these three events, the seized narcotics and chemical substance worth about 2.21 trillion kyat (over US$603 million) were destroyed, including more than 1,000 kg of opium, over 2,200 kg of heroin, 391 million stimulant tablets, over 39,000 kg of ICE, over 8,600 kg of ketamine, over 1,100 kg of marijuana and 110 types of drugs and chemicals.

The seizures were made between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026 through intensified anti-drug operations by the Myanma Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force, Customs Department and Anti-Narcotics Task Forces.