The United Nations stated yesterday that the synthetic drug market in East and Southeast Asia is expanding at alarming rates. The UNODC’s annual report highlighted the rise of new smuggling routes for methamphetamine and an increase in ketamine production.
The drug trafficking syndicates in the region, particularly in the Golden Triangle of mainland Southeast Asia, are finding innovative ways to increase production and trafficking to avoid government crackdowns. According to Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, organized crime groups are reducing production costs and scaling up production using non-controlled chemicals, leading to larger shipments and lower prices.
The report revealed a record 190 tons of methamphetamine seized in the region last year, with 89% in Southeast Asia. This marks a significant increase in production over the past decade. Reported seizures of ketamine slightly declined but remain at high levels compared to previous years.
Mainly produced in Shan State, Myanmar, synthetic drugs are also expanding to neighboring countries. The UNODC noted the growing sophistication of organized crime groups in manufacturing and trafficking drugs and the need for improved regulatory frameworks and enforcement capacities.
Drug trafficking groups are utilizing maritime routes through the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea to transport drugs globally. Despite the efforts of anti-drug authorities, the political landscape in the region, especially in Myanmar after the 2021 coup, continues to fuel the drug production industry.