SUCCESSIVE governments have treated the fight against drugs as a national responsibility in Myanmar. However, challenges remain due to widespread poppy cultivation and heroin production, the manufacturing and trafficking of synthetic drugs based on chemical substances, and the cross-border smuggling of chemicals used in drug production. Moreover, the inability to fully control border areas, particularly along regions adjoining neighbouring countries, continues to pose significant challenges to drug eradication efforts.
On the other hand, there are numerous armed groups operating under ethnic identities, for whom drug production and trafficking remain a major source of income. As a result, in areas controlled or influenced by these groups, poppy cultivation, heroin production, and the manufacturing of synthetic drugs continue to persist despite efforts to suppress and eradicate them.
During 2020, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar, followed by political changes in 2021, created instability in many domestic regions. Taking advantage of this situation, armed groups operating under ethnic identities expanded online scams, gambling operations, and drug production businesses based on chemical substances in areas under their control. Both of these activities harm and endanger people worldwide and are considered undesirable criminal enterprises by the international community. For Myanmar, they also pose a risk to the country’s reputation and standing.
Members of Tatmadaw security forces uncovered and seized three drug production sites within Hsipaw and Mongyai townships in Shan State (North), on 9, 10, and 11 January. This represents the largest seizure of its kind in the country’s history, highlighting that these locations are key centres for drug production in Myanmar. Furthermore, evidence indicates that one-third of the drugs seized in 2025 were produced at these sites.
Following further aerial surveillance and ground investigations, 14 additional suspicious locations linked to drug production were uncovered. From 10 to 24 January, the Tatmadaw and the Myanmar Police Force discovered and dismantled 12 drug production sites. The quantities of materials and their estimated value were extremely large, and evidence showed that machinery was being expanded and installed to increase drug production. The large-scale production of drugs occurred within areas controlled or influenced by the SSA (Shan State Army), and the group’s involvement in these activities was also confirmed.
The government will implement a strict “Zero Tolerance” policy towards drug eradication and will continue to suppress and eliminate drugs until complete success is achieved. Citizens are also encouraged and urged to cooperate by promptly reporting any information they observe regarding drug production, storage, transport, or trafficking to the relevant authorities.
