Successive governments in Myanmar have made drug elimination a top national priority. To combat issues on poppy cultivation, opium production, drug trafficking and drug abuse at different levels, Myanmar has adopted a National Drug Control Strategy aligned with resolutions from the United Nations General Assembly. The strategy involves assigning states and regions to develop action plans tailored to their localities, enabling practical implementation of drug control activities.
Efforts to enforce drug laws have been intensified through close collaboration between the Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force, and Customs Department under the supervision of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control. The government has equipped the Drug Enforcement Division with modern equipment to facilitate the interception of drug production and trafficking.
To tackle the problem at its root, Myanmar has undertaken various measures to reduce poppy cultivation. The alternative development administration sector, agricultural sector, and livestock breeding sector have taken full responsibility for implementing consistent alternative development programs aimed at gradually decreasing poppy cultivation.
In order to provide treatment and harm reduction services for drug addicts, the Ministry of Health has established 29 major treatment centres, 56 minor drug treatment centres, and 86 methadone maintenance clinics. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement provides for reintegrating ex-addicts into society through rehabilitation centres. Moreover, awareness is raised for students to know the danger of narcotic drugs by all means.
Recognizing that the drug problem cannot be solved solely through law enforcement and judiciary measures, a balanced approach is being pursued. This approach involves focusing on public healthcare, improving living standards, promoting humanity, supporting development, and safeguarding basic human rights. Rather than treating drug addicts as criminals, the government and civil society organizations have collaborated to amend laws and regulations, emphasizing drug addiction as a health issue rather than a crime. Hospital-based and community-based treatment services are provided to individuals, offering the necessary support to overcome drug addiction.
In the pursuit of reducing drug production and smuggling, Myanmar is committed to continued cooperation with UN member states and different agencies, international and regional organizations, neighbouring countries, NGOs, and INGOs in eradicating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as much as it can.
As the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) examines the changing trends of the drug problem, it emphasizes the importance of every citizen participating in preventive measures against drugs from various angles. It is through the collective efforts of the government, relevant organizations, and individuals that a comprehensive solution to the drug issue can be achieved.
