Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking :Deputy Prime Minister sends message on June 26

Chairman of CCDAC, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Soe Htut sent a message on the occasion of the 2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falling on the 26th of June.The message states that the government of Myanmar has been undertaking relentless efforts to address the drug problem that is obstructing the development efforts of the country.

In order to address the problem of opium poppy cultivation, production and demand for synthetic drugs in Myanmar, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) has formed working sectors to carry out its respective tasks. Successive governments have also carried out drug elimination as a priority in the national duty.

Even though countless drug abusers, producers, traffickers and cartels were arrested and prosecuted, the production and trafficking of drugs have not declined at all. In order to solve the drugs problem, Myanmar is a signatory member to the 3 UN Conventions and has been working closely with UNODC, BIMSTEC member states, neighboring and regional countries, Yangon-based drug law enforcement agencies of UNODC, AFP, DEA, NNCC, and ONCB respectively.

Myanmar has also adopted a National Drug Control Strategy which is in line with current resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and has assigned States and Regions to draft action plans consistent with their localities to implement drug control activities in a practical manner.

Drug law enforcement activities are also being carried out with concerted efforts by closely operating among Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force and Customs Department. The government has also equipped with modern equipment to Drug Enforcement Division for interdiction of drug production, and trafficking.

The Ministry of Health has established 29 major treatment centers, 56 minor drug treatment centers, and 86 methadone maintenance clinics. Furthermore, rehabilitation centers are also established by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

Instead of punishing drug addicts as criminals, the government and civil society organizations have worked together to amend laws and regulations to promote drug addiction as a health issue rather than a crime. In addition to hospital-based treatment services, community-based treatment services are also provided.

In order to reduce and wipe out drug production and smuggling, Myanmar will continue to cooperate with UN member states, international and regional agencies, regional countries, NGOs and INGOs. It is also important that every citizen should join hands to conduct preventive measures on drug matters from various aspects.

This year’s motto is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention” and the objective of the state is “to ensure peace, stability, rule of law and the safe and smooth functioning of transport networks across the Union”.