United Nations reports say Myanmar is now the largest producer of opium in the world, surpassing Afghanistan, as political tensions drive more people to cultivate poppies due to the Taliban’s brutal crackdown on illegal drugs.
Key Facts
Myanmar produced approximately 1,080 metric tons of opium this year, according to a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The country has witnessed a sharp increase of 36% in production compared to last year, the highest level of opium production in the country since 2001.
Opium is extracted from the poppy plant and is a key component in heroin production, as well as being an addictive drug in itself.
Poppy Cultivation Expansion in Myanmar
Poppy cultivation has significantly expanded in Myanmar since the army ousted the democratically elected government in 2021, according to the report.
Approximately 47,000 hectares of land have been allocated for poppy cultivation, a 18% increase from last year, due to the violence and instability caused by the civil war triggered by the military coup, which has driven more people to grow the crop.
Impact of Increased Opium Production in Myanmar
This year’s production means that Myanmar has become the world’s largest source of opium, surpassing Afghanistan, which has long held the top spot.
The Taliban has imposed a strict ban on poppy cultivation and drug production in Afghanistan, leading to an estimated 95% reduction in opium production in the country in just one year.
UN reports state that the escalating conflict in Shan State – where fierce battles have occurred between ethnic groups and the army – and along bordering areas will bolster “this trend” toward poppy cultivation.
What to Watch For
Afghanistan has been the leading country in opium production – and thus heroin – for many years. Although it still produces about 330 metric tons of opium this year, the significant decline in production due to the Taliban “could lead to a global drug shortage” if it continues.
Depressant drugs comprise a group of naturally occurring substances within the opioid family – a broad class of addictive drugs like morphine, codeine, fentanyl, and heroin, which are commonly used to treat pain – and are a major source of social, economic, and health problems globally.
Reports warn that a global shortage could drive up opium prices in the region, which may encourage further production increases.
The Big Number
Between $1 billion and $2.5 billion. This is the value of Myanmar’s “opium economy” for 2023, according to the UN report. This figure includes both domestic consumption and exports of opium and heroin, representing approximately 2-4% of the country’s GDP in 2022.
In-depth Reading
Inside the Taliban’s War on Drugs – Scaling Down Poppy Cultivation
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By Robert Hart
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