Myanmar's Illicit Drug Trade Surges Amid Escalating Civil Conflict

Myanmar has witnessed a significant surge in illicit drug production, particularly in opium and methamphetamine, as the ongoing civil unrest continues to destabilize the country. Recent data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlights Myanmar's position at the center of Asia's illegal drug trade, with extensive ramifications for the region and beyond.

According to the UNODC, opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar increased by 17% over the past year, reaching more than 53,000 hectares--the largest area recorded in a decade. This rise has solidified Myanmar's status as the leading global producer of opium, a position it assumed after Afghanistan dramatically reduced its production in 2023.

The methamphetamine trade has also expanded rapidly. In 2024, regional authorities seized a record 236 tons of methamphetamine across East and Southeast Asia, with Myanmar identified as the primary source of much of this supply. The ongoing conflict, triggered by the 2021 military coup, has created conditions that enable criminal organizations to ramp up drug production with minimal interference from weakened state institutions.

Geographically, Myanmar's location within the notorious Golden Triangle--where its eastern border converges with Laos and Thailand--has long made it a hub for drug trafficking. In Shan state, lawless territories controlled by local warlords and criminal syndicates provide a safe haven for large-scale methamphetamine and opium operations. Many of the leading cartels operating in this region have origins in China, taking advantage of the fractured governance caused by the protracted civil war.

The collapse of Myanmar's official economy and the deterioration of law enforcement have contributed to the expansion of the drug trade. Armed groups, seeking to finance their activities, increasingly rely on profits from illicit drugs to acquire weapons and sustain their militias. The lucrative nature of drug trafficking has also attracted local farmers, many of whom have lost access to traditional markets due to the conflict. With few alternatives, these farmers are turning to opium cultivation, lured by the promise of higher prices; traffickers are now offering double the pre-2021 rates for raw opium, making it a vital source of income amid economic instability.

The consequences of Myanmar's booming drug production extend beyond its borders. Thailand, in particular, faces immense challenges as a neighboring country, reporting record seizures of methamphetamine--over one billion tablets in the past year alone. The country's advanced transportation networks are frequently exploited by traffickers seeking to distribute drugs across Southeast Asia, further fueling a growing crisis of drug abuse in the region.

Myanmar's illicit drugs are not confined to Asia. Heroin and methamphetamine originating from Myanmar have been detected as far afield as Australia, Africa, and Europe. Australian authorities estimate that up to 70% of the crystal methamphetamine consumed in the country is sourced from Myanmar. Meanwhile, recent seizures in India, Nigeria, and European nations suggest that Myanmar-based trafficking networks are actively seeking new markets outside their traditional sphere of influence.

Efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs from Myanmar face significant obstacles. The ongoing civil war, combined with entrenched criminal networks and limited government control in key border regions, complicates international efforts to address the crisis. The UNODC warns that the escalating drug trade not only threatens regional security but also undermines economic stability and public health across Asia and beyond.

As Myanmar's internal conflict persists, the expansion of its illicit drug industry is expected to continue, presenting ongoing challenges for neighboring countries and the wider international community.