Research

In October 2024, drug trafficking and enforcement actions intensified across Myanmar and its border regions. Significant seizures, including methamphetamine, heroin, and precursor chemicals, underscore the scale of the narcotics trade from Shan State through routes into Thailand, India, and beyond. Clashes between authorities and drug syndicates, along with cross-border operations, reveal the challenges in curbing trafficking amid regional instability.

In September 2024, drug-related incidents surged across Myanmar, highlighting extensive trafficking networks and enforcement actions from Kachin to Rakhine. Key incidents included major narcotics seizures in Yangon and Mandalay, community-led anti-drug operations in Chin and Shan States, and rising drug use among youth in conflict-affected areas. Cross-border trafficking on the India, Bangladesh, and Thailand borders saw increased confrontations and seizures, while Interpol’s “Lionfish-Mayag II” operation targeted the Golden Triangle, seizing over $1 billion in drugs. These developments reveal escalating regional drug challenges impacting Myanmar’s security and public health.