From Foreign Policy · Joseph Rachman · · 2m
Myanmar’s Shan State Meth Lab
Myanmar’s Shan state produces global meth supply amid regional drug trade surge.
In brief
Myanmar’s Shan state produces global meth supply amid regional drug trade surge. Myanmar’s Shan state is the world’s largest meth producer, with annual sales reaching $48.1-$74.8 billion. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Meth Boom in Shan State
Myanmar’s Shan state produces the world’s largest meth supply, with annual sales reaching $48.1-$74.8 billion.
Global Meth Trade Expansion
Drug markets have grown larger since 2019, with criminal syndicates operating in ever more sophisticated ways.
Meth Production Methods
Meth is produced in industrial-scale labs using precursor chemicals not subject to legal controls.
Drug Diversity in Shan State
Shan state produces ketamine, MDMA, etomidate, and 'happy water' alongside meth.
Smuggling Routes
Drugs are smuggled to Thailand, Laos, India, and global markets through Yangon port.
China’s Role in Drug Trade
China tolerates foreign criminal syndicates as long as its citizens are unaffected.
Myanmar Junta and Tokyo
Myanmar junta representatives marched on Tokyo in early October for talks with U.S. officials.
Indonesia Stock Crash
Indonesia’s stock market dropped 11.57 percent, its worst crash since 1.998.
MSCI Downgrade Threat
MSCI considered downgrading Indonesia to a 'frontier' market due to stock exchange fraud.
Vietnam EU Visit
Vietnam’s To Lam began a six-day EU visit to strengthen trade ties with the bloc.
Drug Trade and Scams
Meth syndicates are linked to scam centers and other criminal enterprises.
Haze Crisis in Southeast Asia
Malaysia and Singapore react to transboundary haze from Indonesian forest fires.
ASEAN Haze Response
ASEAN discusses haze assistance but Indonesia resists foreign help for forest fires.
Shan State Drug Control
Myanmar military and rebel groups share control of Shan state drug production.
Meth’s Global Reach
Myanmar meth has gone global through sophisticated smuggling networks.
What’s Next for Drug Trade
Drug trade will continue to expand with China’s tacit tolerance and regional instability.
The takeaway
Myanmar’s Shan state is the world’s largest meth producer, with annual sales reaching $48.1-$74.8 billion.
