Today’s world is facing serious threats and challenges from narcotic drugs. Young people, who represent the vital human resources of respective countries, are becoming victims of drug abuse. Drug producers and traffickers prioritize their own personal interests, turning a blind eye to the fact that youth around the world are being led astray and losing their futures. Many have died or had their lives destroyed due to drugs, and their families also suffer greatly as a result. The trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs have caused immeasurable losses to humanity across the globe.
Drug production and trafficking are often linked to transnational crimes such as money laundering, arms smuggling, and terrorism, posing serious threats to national security, stability, and public order. Moreover, drug abuse severely harms both physical and mental health, leading to a significant loss of human potential worldwide.
Myanmar is grappling with serious challenges related to poppy cultivation, synthetic drug production, and widespread drug abuse, but local authorities and law enforcement bodies under the leadership of the government are joining hands with people and relevant organizations in carrying out the eradication of narcotic drugs through collaborative efforts as much as possible.
Ceremonies to incinerate seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, and related accessories are held annually on 26 June in Yangon and other major cities, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. During these events, various types of seized narcotic drugs worth billions of US dollars are destroyed in the presence of diplomats, officials from national and international organizations, and representatives of UN agencies, as part of Myanmar’s effort to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating narcotic drugs.
The Drug Enforcement Division of the Myanmar Police Force manages its sub-divisions and task forces as primary bodies in combating the drug producing and trafficking, as well as growing poppy plantations. On one hand, to provide treatment for individuals addicted to drugs and to reduce associated risks, Myanmar has established 29 major drug treatment centres, 56 sub-centres, 36 methadone clinics, and three buprenorphine clinics. Moreover, the Ministry of Relief and Resettlement has established 14 rehabilitation centres and continues to expand and develop them.
Due to narcotic drugs, lives are lost in territorial disputes and violent struggles. Drug abuse has ruined countless lives, leading people to destruction. Generations have fallen behind, morally degraded, and become victims of crime. Under the shadow of narcotic drugs, various crimes occur. Therefore, as a national responsibility, all citizens of Myanmar must work together to completely eradicate narcotic drugs at their roots.