Since 1950, Myanmar’s Shan State has been a centre of conflict and illicit drug production. According to Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG), the global methamphetamine supply and export of the illegal drug is about to get even easier.
There have been record seizures of meth in the last 2 years beyond the immediate region: 1.2 tonnes in Western Australia, 0.9 tonnes in Melbourne, 1.6 tonnes in Indonesia, and 1.2 tonnes in Malaysia. Regional narcotics experts estimates the seizure rate is below 10% of total trade, which makes the annual production is over 250 tonnes. Recently, the proliferation of meth from Shan State has been reported on Fire And Ice: Conflict And Drugs In Myanmar’s Shan State.
In the recent history of the Golden Triangle, increased trade and improved infrastructure have expanded opportunities for illicit profiteering. The trade in ice along with amphetamine tablets and heroin has become so large and profitable. As a result, it dwarfs the formal economy of Shan State and fuels criminality and corruption.
Myanmar’s President U Wun Myint chaired a meeting of the country’s Anti-Corruption commission in March 2018. However the commission does not have the authority to investigate the Tatmadaw. As a note, Shan State is controlled partly by Myanmar’s army (Tatmadaw) as well as multiple armed militias. The status of militia and border guard forces aligned with the Tatmadaw gives the considerable impunity, and gives the Tatmadaw a degree of deniability.
As for what should be done about this conflict, ICG stated that the government should redouble its drug control and anti-corruption efforts, focusing on major players in the drug trade. Also, the military should reform - and ultimately disband - militias and other pro-government paramilitary forces and pursue a comprehensive peace settlement for the state.
“For related reforms to be successful, they would need to be accompanied by incentives significant enough that groups would cease involvement in the illicit economy”, said Mr. Jeremy Douglas, Bangkok-based regional representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Source: Straitstimes.com. Image: Rappler.com