Fight against Drugs Int’l Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking

Member of the State Administration Council, Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, and Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae sent a message on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) falling on the 26th of June.

In his message, the Union Minister said that the drug problem is emerging as a complicated challenge that is seriously affecting the lives of millions of people around the world. The production and trafficking of drugs is somehow related to transnational crimes of money laundering, arms smuggling and terrorism. The State Administration Council is accelerating the development of the country, while efforts are also being made by all sides to control the drug problem that hinders the development of the country.

Myanmar is severely facing challenges related to opium poppy cultivation, synthetic drug production and drug abuse. To address these issues, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control systematically established various working groups and took its role as a national duty.After evaluating the existing 1993 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law to be in line with international standards and norms, it was amended and enacted on 14 February 2018.

Similarly, the amendment of 1995 Rules relating to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances was also announced on 13 December 2023. In addition, the National Drug Control Policy, which includes a multipronged approach, was adopted and announced on 20 February 2018, and the National Drug Control Strategic Plan is also being developed.

The Drug Enforcement Division under the Myanmar Police Force has 11 sub-divisions and 71 task forces, and they are being deployed all over the country to carry out effective drug control measures.In 2023, Myanmar saw a slight increase in illegal opium poppy cultivation. Therefore, the persuasion by the Myanmar Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force, and various departments to local ethnic communities in drug prevention efforts through educational activities has led to the destruction of a total of 6,181 acres of poppy fields during the 2023-2024 opium poppy cultivation season.

Myanmar has been actively engaged in fighting against drug activities in collaboration with neighbouring countries, including the United Nations, ASEAN member states, Mekong regional countries, BIMSTEC member countries and international drug control agencies.

The national government is trying to increase its momentum in various ways to prevent the danger of drugs that hinder the peace and stability of the Union, the rule of law, modern development, safe and smooth road communication. The Union Minister concluded his message, urging all ethnic people to cooperate with goal-oriented and balanced approach and assist with the strength of unity.