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16h ago

Myanmar Incinerates $300 Million in Seized Narcotics

Civil war clashes have disrupted enforcement, contributing to a drop in seized narcotics this year

Firefighters stand by near burning illegal narcotics during a destruction ceremony to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Smoke and flame rise from burning illegal narcotics during a destruction ceremony to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Yangon region Chief Minister Soe Thein, second left in white cloth, inspects seized illegal narcotics during a destruction ceremony to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
A police officer explains illegal narcotics to students during a destruction ceremony to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Overview

  • Authorities destroyed stockpiles in Yangon, Mandalay and Taunggyi to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
  • The burned haul included opium, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, ketamine and crystal meth.
  • This year’s $300 million incineration was about $50 million less than in 2024 and $150 million below the 2023 total.
  • Intensifying fighting across the country has hindered anti-drug operations and curtailed large-scale seizures.
  • UN experts warn that Myanmar remains a leading source of methamphetamine from the Golden Triangle, with regional seizures in 2024 reaching record highs.