A Failing Grade: Burma's Drug Eradication Efforts (Special Report) - Softcover

ALTSEAN-Burma

Softcover

ISBN 10: 974924334X ISBN 13: 9789749243343

Publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma, 2004

Synopsis

Burma remains the world's largest producer of illegal narcotics after Afghanistan. The ruling military regime has long been suspected of some form of collusion in the drug trade, either through direct participation or disinclination to curb the activities of major drug producing syndicates. The Burmese military, the Tatmadaw, have a long and deep involvement with major narcotics producing and trafficking syndicates, which they utilize for national security, corporate rent seeking, and personal profit. This report finds little evidence that the current military government, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), is serious about curbing the production and export of narcotics from Burma. While there has been a decrease in the production of opium-based narcotics, this has been offset by a dramatic rise in the production of amphetamine type stimulants (ATS). These have caused considerable social problems in neighboring Thailand; have begun appearing in other Southeast Asian markets and Australia, and in increasing shipments to the United States. Burma has also been designated a country of primary money laundering concern and all of its financial institutions have been cut off from the United States system due to deep involvement in drug profits. In the past five years, changes to the drug trade in Burma have increasingly affected regional countries that have experienced greater drug consumption, adverse health effects and social disorder. Large-scale exports of processed heroin to North American markets have been redirected, so that now nearly 80 percent of Burmese manufactured opiates are directed at and through Southern China, causing an increase in crime and the spread of HIV-AIDS. Production shifts have also been felt in Northeast India and Laos, and poppy cultivation has increased in smaller areas in Southern Shan State, Northern Karreni, and Kachin and Chin States.

About this edition

• Publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 974924334X
• ISBN 13: 9789749243343
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250