Myanmar burns $600 million in seized drugs on UN anti-drug day
8 reported
Myanmar authorities burned more than $600 million worth of seized illegal drugs on Friday, including heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine, marijuana and opium, in nationwide events marking the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The destruction took place on the outskirts of Yangon, where thick black smoke billowed from more than 50 tons of confiscated narcotics. Police Lt. Col. Aung Myat Soe of Yangon’s Anti-Narcotics Police Force told reporters that the street value of drugs destroyed this year was more than double last year’s total. In Yangon alone, some $321 million worth of 31 different types of drugs were set ablaze. Similar events were held in Mandalay and Taunggyi, the capital of eastern Myanmar’s Shan state. The military government has claimed that militias use illicit drugs to fund their insurgencies, while some groups have also sought to crack down on narcotics. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army announced Thursday it would destroy about $5.5 million worth of seized drugs in its controlled area.
What’s reported
Authorities burned more than $600 million worth of seized illegal drugs nationwide.
The drugs included heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine, marijuana, opium, and crystal meth.
More than 50 tons of drugs were destroyed on the outskirts of Yangon.
Police Lt. Col. Aung Myat Soe said this year’s street value destroyed was more than double last year’s total.
In Yangon alone, $321 million worth of 31 types of drugs were burned.
Events also took place in Mandalay and Taunggyi.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army announced it would destroy about $5.5 million worth of seized drugs in its area.
The events marked the U.N.’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Key figures
Police Lt. Col. Aung Myat Soe, of Yangon’s Anti-Narcotics Police Force
Ta’ang National Liberation Army (group mentioned)
Sources: abcnews.com
