Myanmar Overtakes Afghanistan As World's Top Opium Producer After Taliban’s Successful Opium Ban

Myanmar has emerged as the world's leading opium producer, surpassing Afghanistan, which was previously responsible for over 80 percent of the global opium supply after Taliban's successful ban on opium cultivation.

According to the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), opium production in Afghanistan plummeted by an estimated 95 percent to around 330 tonnes after the Taliban's ban on poppy cultivation in April last year.

The latest UNODC report reveals that Myanmar produced an estimated 1,080 metric tonnes of opium this year, making it the new epicentre for opium production. This shift is attributed to the ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan and the rising instability in Myanmar.

The illegal opiate economy in Myanmar has expanded, reaching an estimated value of between $1 billion and $2.4 billion. This accounts for 1.7% to 4.1% of the country's 2022 GDP.

The "Golden Triangle" border region, encompassing Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, has historically been a hub for illegal drug production and trafficking, including methamphetamine and opium.

Myanmar's legal economy has suffered due to ongoing conflict and instability since the military seized power in 2021, leading many farmers to turn to illegal poppy cultivation.

What is Opium?

Opium is a highly addictive non-synthetic narcotic derived from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. 

Typically, opium presents itself as a black or brown block of tar-like powder and is available in both liquid and solid forms. Its consumption methods vary, including smoking, intravenous injection, or ingestion in pill form. Opium is the essential ingredient for manufacturing the street drug heroin.

Risks of Opium

Using opium poses significant risks, including the potential for slowed breathing, confusion, nausea, and constipation. Large doses can lead to unconsciousness or, in severe cases, death. Mixing opium with substances that depress the central nervous system increases the risk of life-threatening respiratory problems.

Long-term use may result in drug tolerance, leading to increased consumption for the same effects, and can ultimately lead to physical dependence and addiction. Stopping long-term use can trigger withdrawal symptoms, making it challenging to quit.