Myanmar civil war fuels surge in cross-border drug trade, Thailand official says

2/10/2024 12:55

        Thailand has seen a surge in illegal drugs trafficked from neighbouring Myanmar and a sharp increase in methamphetamines and heroin seizures, as a civil war adds fuel to the regional drug trade.
        
        Apikit Ch.Rojprasert, deputy secretary-general of Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), said the northern region remains the main trafficking route into Thailand, with dealers going through the mountains or on the Mekong river to bring in methamphetamine tablets and crystal meth, also known as ice.
        
        Thai authorities say organised crime networks have allied with militias and rebel groups to set up "super labs" in Myanmar's Shan and Kachin States.
        
        Apikit said, "Because of the armed conflict, the drug trade is one of the factors used to fund weapon purchases or drive the fighting forces."
        
        "We have to be vigilant about crimes that are linked to drug trafficking and work with neighbouring countries."