Last year, East Asia saw methamphetamine seizures rise to 236 tons, a 24% increase from 2022, predominantly occurring in Southeast Asia and especially Thailand. Thailand's seizures reached 130 tons, a regional record. Most of the meth originates from the Golden Triangle, where intensified production is linked to ongoing civil instability in Myanmar. UNODC officials indicate that these numbers vastly underrepresent actual market availability. The region's law enforcement sees successes, but the rise in trafficking is alarming, compounded by the military junta's involvement in drug trade operations amidst the civil conflict in Myanmar.
The 236 tons represent only the amount seized; much more methamphetamine is actually reaching the market, indicating unprecedented levels of production and trafficking.
Crackdowns across the region have not affected Myanmar, where the military junta is alleged to be involved in drug production to fund its conflict.
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