Myanmar destroys $603 million worth of seized drugs in nationwide operation
The destroyed materials included heroin, opium, stimulant tablets, methamphetamine, cannabis, ketamine, ecstasy, and other dangerous narcotics.
KATHMANDU: Myanmar has destroyed a massive stockpile of seized narcotics and banned chemicals as part of the 39th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marking one of its largest anti-drug operations in recent years.
The destruction ceremony was held on Friday across the country’s major cities—Yangon, Mandalay, and Taunggyi—where authorities publicly incinerated confiscated drugs and hazardous substances.
According to official figures, drugs and chemicals worth a total of USD 603.77 million seized from across the country were destroyed. This included:
- Yangon: USD 321.3 million worth of 31 types of narcotics
- Mandalay: USD 113.6 million worth of 27 types of drugs
- Taunggyi: USD 168.7 million worth of 93 types of illicit substances
The destroyed materials included heroin, opium, stimulant tablets, methamphetamine, cannabis, ketamine, ecstasy, and other dangerous narcotics.
Speaking at the Yangon ceremony, Colonel Win Tin, Minister for Security and Border Affairs of the Yangon Region, said the government has intensified its anti-drug efforts to eliminate drug trafficking networks.
He also revealed that 3,205 suspects involved in drug-related cases were arrested between January 1 and May 31 this year alone.
Myanmar carried out a similar nationwide destruction last year in the same three cities, burning drugs worth USD 297 million.
Officials noted that this year’s destruction represents a significant increase in both volume and value compared to the previous year.
