WORLD Drug Day, officially known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is observed globally on 26 June. World Drug Day, set by the United Nations on 7 December 1987, aims to raise awareness about the destructive impacts of illicit drugs and to promote global action toward a society free of drug abuse.
Growing poppy and heroin production were a major issue for Myanmar in the past. Currently, the country has been facing challenges of synthetic drug production, trafficking and trading similar to other countries across the world. On the other hand, the number of sown acres of poppy rises in the areas controlled by ethnic armed groups again. As synthetic drugs can be produced anywhere, the 2024 United Nations World Drug Report mentioned that production of these drugs is increasingly taking place in regions with administrative challenges and instability.
Although precursor chemicals and related accessories used in drug production cannot be produced in Myanmar, they can enter Myanmar easily and illegally through the border regions. As the majority of produced drugs are trafficked to regional countries and highly-demanded countries through border regions, Myanmar is facing challenges in conducting prevention and suppression against drug trafficking.
A systematic operation of administrative machinery, the rule of law and peace and stability play key roles in resolving drug problems. The active cooperation and participation of residents and ethnic organizations remain critical to resolving this issue. Myanmar treats the eradication of narcotic drugs as a vital national duty. To support this mission, the government allocates substantial annual budget funds to drive regional development and establish alternative livelihoods in poppy-cultivating areas.
The Management Committee for the Implementation of Alternative Development is separately carrying out the second phase of a five-year pilot project from 2024-2025 to 2028-2029 in 65 villages in Hopong and Hsihseng townships of Shan State (South). The project covers various sectors, including agriculture, livestock breeding, education, healthcare, access to water, roads and bridges, electricity supply, livelihood development, religious affairs, communications, public awareness, trade, and microfinance activities.
Narcotic drugs have already caused numerous social and economic problems for Myanmar citizens across multiple generations. Learning from the painful experiences of the past, efforts must be made to build a drug-free nation for future generations. The entire population in all parts of the nation must join hands and collectively work together to combat the danger of narcotic drugs without exception as a national duty.
