CCDAC Meeting (1/2025): Central Committee Chairman delivered opening address

The meeting of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) was held, at the Myanmar Police Force Headquarters in Nay Pyi Taw on December 10. Committee Chairman Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, attended and delivered the opening address.

In his opening address at the meeting, the Central Committee Chairman stated that the drug problem is an issue threatening the entire human race worldwide. According to UNODC statistics, there were approximately 316 million drug users globally in 2023. Drug production, trafficking, and trade are linked to transnational crimes such as money laundering, arms smuggling, and terrorism, adversely affecting state security, stability, peace, and the rule of law.

He noted that armed insurgent groups within Myanmar are exploiting the ongoing political instability and security conditions to increase their income sources through drug production and trafficking. These groups bring in chemicals and precursor materials used in drug production from other countries into Myanmar through various means and produce drugs within their territories.

Regarding Government's efforts, the Central Committee Chairman said the country is cooperating in drug control activities with the United Nations, neighboring countries, ASEAN member states, Mekong region countries, BIMSTEC member states, and international drug control agencies.

Collaboration with partner organizations based in Yangon, such as UNODC, AFP, DEA, NNCC, and ONCB, will be further enhanced. Subsequently, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee U Lwin Oo presented necessary steps for future implementation. The Secretary and Joint Secretary reviewed the efforts in drug suppression and presented future action plans. Attendees then presented needs and suggestions related to drug prevention and control activities. Finally, the Central Committee Chairman delivered concluding remarks.