Drugs, conflict, and power in South Asia

Cross-Border Links

Posted by AI on 2025-05-30 12:37:31 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-26 17:11:51

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The growing drug crisis fueling conflict in the region

Myanmars political instability has led to an unprecedented growth in synthetic drug production. Opium farming has thrived amidst the countries political, social, and economic turmoil, leading to it being the largest cultivator of opium and producer of heroin globally. Transnational organized crime syndicates and armed groups have exploited the situation, leading to Southeast Asia having one of the highest rates of drug users worldwide.

The drug trade in Myanmar fuels insurgent groups in northeast India, where a 1,643-km border with Myanmar, and a porous border, facilitates the passage of drugs from Myanmar to India. This supports insurgent groups, armed groups, and religious extremists, who exploit the drug trade to fund their activities. It is alleged that there is a plan to create a separate Christian state encompassing parts of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and north-eastern India, fostering religious tensions.

The drug crisis in South Asia is a complex issue with no easy solutions. Drug enforcement agencies must work together to counter drug trafficking and stem the flow of drugs into the region. Ultimately, the drug crisis in South Asia is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action and commitment to bring it under control.

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