The Current State of Counternarcotics Policy and Drug Reform Debates in Myanmar

Abstract Myanmar is the world’s second largest producer of opium after Aghanistan. Following a decade of decline, cultivation has more than doubled since 2006. The production and use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) is also rising. Most of the opium is turned into heroin and exported via neighboring countries, especially to China. Decades of civil war and military rule have stimulated drug production and consumption, and marginalized ethnic communities. Myanmar has high levels of injecting drug users infected with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. Drug policies in Myanmar are repressive and outdated, with an ineffective focus on arresting drug users and eradicating poppy fields. The central government is unable to provide quality treatment for drug users. Past political repression and human rights violations by the military government caused an international boycott which prevented international donors from providing assistance. The reform process by the new quasi-civilian government includes both a peace process to end the civil war and a review of the country’s drug laws, raising hope for more effective and humane drug policies.