South-east Asia integration could worsen drug problem

Subject

Illegal drugs in South-east Asia.

Significance

Seizures of illegal methamphetamine drugs in the Greater Mekong sub-region are at record highs, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said on July 6, calling for a coordinated response to South-east Asia’s 40-billion-dollar illegal narcotics trade.

Impacts

• Corruption and inadequate legal frameworks will enfeeble enforcement efforts.
• Cross-border deals will be needed to establish appropriate regional medical and security capacity to counter illegal narcotics.
• Tackling Myanmar’s illegal drugs would be aided by a peace deal with ethnic minority militias, but prospects are poor.
• Controversial anti-drug efforts that bring accusations of rights abuses could hinder international free trade talks.