Myanmar crisis pushes Asian meth seizures to new highs

Flow of drugs increases as armed rebels use sales to fund war efforts

Meth seizures in Thailand like this one have become commonplace as more drugs from Myanmar flow into and through the country. © AP

KOSUKE INOUE, Nikkei staff writer

July 23, 2024 00:46 JST

VIENTIANE -- The spread of illegal drugs in Asia is intensifying as conflict in Myanmar fuels greater distribution across borders, driving the amount of methamphetamine seized in East and Southeast Asia last year to a record high.

A shootout occurred between border guards and drug traffickers in northern Thailand's Chiang Rai province on July 11. Authorities found 3.2 million stimulant tablets in a truck abandoned by a fleeing trafficker.