The fifth destruction of seized narcotic drugs, precursors, chemicals and paraphernalia of Shan State (North) organized by Shan State (North) Committee for Drug Abuse Control was held at the people’s sports grounds in Lashio on 19 March 2005, attended by Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win.
Also present on the occasion were Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, the ministers, the deputy ministers, ambassadors of the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, the Russian Federation, Lao PDR, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Singapore, consuls of the People’s Republic of China and Japan, the liaison officer of Australian Police Force, officials of US Drug Agency, WHO and UNODC, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force, local authorities, members of Shan State (North) CDAC, local national race leaders, members of USDA, local people and guests.
Daw Nan San Twam Kham of Lashio Township USDA, Professor Daw Myint Myint Than of Lashio Degree College and Sub-Police Inspector Sein Ma Ma of MPF acted as masters of ceremonies.
First, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win delivered an address, saying that in today’s world, the problems of narcotics are not confined to a sole country or a people but are the concern of all nations of the world all of humankind.
While some countries face a problem caused by the cultivation of narcotic crops, some other countries are encounting the problems of psychotropic drugs produced from chemicals. Although some countries neither grow narcotic crops nor produce chemical narcotic drugs, they face problems of use or of being transit countries. The problems of drugs abuse is serious social problem being faced by almost all countries.
Myanmar is also amongst the countries that are having to meet the challenges posed by the drugs problems. The main problem faced by Myanmar is the illegal cultivation of the opium poppy, production of Opium and Heroin and its trafficking and use. At a time when problems of producing methamphatamine has been started since 1996, however the production of Opium and Heroin had fallen remarkably. Issues related to the production while nations of the world are combating the drug menace through international legislation on the one hand, on the other hand they have ratified and are cooperating in controlling the drugs menace on the basis of the UN single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, the 1972 Protocol Amending the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988. The International Narcotic Control Board and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs under the United Nations Economic and Social Council are also encouraging the international community to enhance cooperation. Myanmar on its part has ratified all drugs related Conventions and in accordance with these conventions has promulgated the Law and rules related to Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs, the Law and Rules related to the Control of Money Laundering. The Law and Rules on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and is taking action in accordance with law. At the same time, it controls 25 chemicals used in the production of narcotic and psychotropic drugs. Myanmar has issued rules related to the supervision of controlled chemicals and it is actively engaged in eradication efforts.
In addition, Myanmar firmly believes that not only does the narcotic menace adversely affect national dignity and high social standards of the state, but it threatens our citizens and all humankind.
Since the time of the Myanmar kings, the successive governments of Myanmar have serious undertaken the tasks of combating narcotic abuse. During the time of the State Peace and Development Council, as a result of gaining mutual understanding and mutual fate among the national brethren, peace, stability and the rule of law have gradually extended up to the border regions and as a consequence many good opportunities were presented for serious fulfilling the developing needs of the border areas and national races. As a result from striving only to combat the narcotic menace we have now been able to seriously work for the alleviation of the foods, shelter and clothing of the local people through crops substitutions, animal husbandry and other regional development activities. In order to give momentum to these endeavours the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was established. By so doing, it is certain that the bad historical legacy of the drug problem can be eliminated effectively in the long term. This is the reason also why the Government led by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has laid down strategies, tactics and measures for the elimination of the narcotic problem.
Strategies include the destruction of the elimination of the drug menace as a national cause and to combat the menace from all angles, and to raise the living standards of the border areas and national races, thereby completely eradicating opium cultivation.
These strategies are being implemented through symmetrical actions of the tactics of eradication, reduction of consumption, and interdiction.
In order to concretely carry out activities in conformity with the strategies and tactics, a plan of action comprising a 15-year plan sub-divided into three medium-term plans of five years each, beginning from 1999-2000 to 2013-2014, was established. We have completed the first 5-year plan and are implementing the second 5-year plan. It has being assessed that the objectives set for the designated plan period have been successfully realized.
To get an accurate picture of the illegal cultivation of opium poppy in Myanmar, Myanmar and the United States have cooperated in opium yield surveys for ten times beginning from 1993 up to 2004. The 2005 international report of the US Government on strategies of controlling narcotics states that opium in 2004 is less than 34 percent of 2004 and that production of opium in 2004 decreased 40 per cent compared to that of 2003, the production has dropped 89 per cent compared to opium production 8 years ago. Likewise, Myanmar and UNODC have cooperated since 2002 in annual field surveys and the result have shown a consistent reduction. According to the UNODC report, the acreage of opium cultivation in 2004 has dropped 29 per cent compared to 2003 and opium production has dropped 54 per cent.
The significant reduction of opium cultivation and production in Myanmar is attributable not only to elimination measures but also to widespread pragmatic activities such as opium substitution, vocational livelihood promotion, regional development activities which are all essential for the elimination of opium production. Of particular importance to the success is the fact that the leadership of the state regional authorities, leaders of national races and the national races of the regions, and social organizations have worked in close harmony and dynamic cooperation.
Under the programme of the government’s special project for development of the border areas, the government has spent to date over 60 billion kyats for projects of the development of remote border areas. Of this amount almost 80 per cent was utilized for activities associated with the eradication of opium cultivation such as opium crop substitution, animal husbandry and regional development. This is the reason why the situation in the border areas have significantly changed for the better when compared to the situation in the areas in the past. As the activities for the eradication of narcotic drugs gain intensity due to concerted efforts, Mongla region in Shan State (East) was able to declare itself as opium free zone in April 1997 and the Kokang region completely halted the cultivation of opium beginning 2003. Likewise, areas of other national races are energetically striving to have their respective areas and regions declared as opium free zones or opium free areas. Although the efforts exerted mainly using one’s own resources and one’s own strength is a good foundation for the long term, it must be noted that the national races who had to live in poverty throughout the ages have had to strive with great difficulty to achieve results. If the international community were to show understanding and render appropriate assistance, Myanmar’s efforts to eliminate narcotics would meet with success much sooner.
In any case, bearing in mind resolution of the 20th Special Session of the 1998 United Nations General Assembly designating the year 2008 as the year for total eradication of narcotic drugs throughout the world, and ASEAN’s objective of ASEAN Drugs Free Area by the year 2015, Myanmar has set the target of a Drug Free Myanmar by the year 2014 and is striving towards that end with its own plans and programmes.
Even as Myanmar had successfully reduced the cultivation and production of opium, the previously unheard menace of psychotropic tablets emerged in the country in 1996. It is well known that just as the chemical ephedrine used in the production of stimulant tablets cannot be produced in Myanmar, the country does not have ability to produce other chemicals that are used in processing of heroin and stimulant tablets. However, Myanmar is having to face criticism and accusations while drug traffickers transit Myanmar borders through neighbouring countries, producing and distributing heroin and stimulants to the international markets.
As narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances cannot be produced without chemicals, Myanmar is seeking to control these chemicals in cooperation with the neighbouring countries of India, China, Laos and Thailand. In February 2003, trilateral meeting of Myanmar, India and China for the control of chemical substances was held in Yangon. The meeting reached an agreement to enhance cooperation in suppressing the smuggling of illegal chemicals in the border areas. In addition, as there is a need for closer cooperation with neighbouring countries in the control of chemical substances, a five-nation ministerial meeting to control the substances was held in Chiang Rai in July 2003. China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and India participated in the meeting. As a result of agreements reached at the meeting, closer cooperation ensured among the neighbouring countries with the result that in 2004 the illegal transportation of chemical substances was reduced.
Under the border areas drug control plan of Myanmar, China and UNODC border meetings were held and border liaison offices were opened. Information is being exchanged between the two countries. As a result of the cooperation programmes 36 fugitives wanted by the Chinese side were handed over for 14 times by the Myanmar authorities. Furthermore, under the Myanmar-Thailand drugs control programmes, border liaison offices were opened in Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthoung. Information exchanges between the two countries have also being held. Also under the cooperation programme, Myanmar has transferred fugitives wanted by Thailand, on three occasions. These efforts and activities of Myanmar have been reflected in 2005 International Drugs Control Study Report of the US.
At the same time, Myanmar has been making the necessary efforts for the elimination of narcotic drugs abuse. Two rehabilitation centres had been opened in Shwe Pyi Tha in Pyay and Shwe Pyi Aye in Phekhon in Shan State. Another rehabilitation centre, Shwe Pyi Thit is being constructed near Teema Village in Muse Township, Northern Shan State. Under the UNODC/Australia programme (AusAID) a pilot project for the prevention of HIV and other diseases has been implemented with assistance of NGOs from Myanmar and abroad.
Starting from 1990 up to 2004 narcotic drugs had been destroyed on 18 occasions. The total value of drugs destroyed is estimated at US$ 14,452 million. The destruction of narcotic drugs and chemical have taken place also in Lashio on 33 different occasions since 1999. Also in the Wa region in the Northern Shan Sate, the Wa nationals have destroyed poppy fields and drugs under own arrangements on 6th March 2005, prior to this ceremony.
In addition, the new destiny project started in 2002 as a way to support the 15-year plan, opium poppy seeds and dried opium fruits were handed by cultivators to the relevant authorities. The total weight of these in 2003 and 2004 was over 1.6 million kilograms. These were burnt and destroyed on 11 occasions in various states and divisions. This is a very effective action as the destroyed poppy seeds, were they to have been cultivated would have resulted in over 440 tons of opium.
Therefore, to put the effort of Myanmar in a nutshell, Myanmar is exerting efforts to eliminate the menace of narcotic drug through the strategies of supply reduction, demand reduction and interdiction. In addition, on the 51st anniversary of the Armed Forces Day on 27 March 1996, the Head of State said in his speech “the battle against narcotics concerns all humankind and it is therefore wide-ranging and difficult endeavour. We will welcome any assistance that is offered in sincerity.
However, even if assistance is not forthcoming, we will continue our struggle with all our abilities as it is a manner which threatens humankind”. The Head of State therefore stated Myanmar’s unwavering determination in the battle against narcotic drugs. In conclusion, I would like to say that Myanmar has fine traditions in implementing and carrying out its national interest and in carrying out dutifully and unstintingly the national interest and the interest of humankind. In addition, either with the assistance or without the assistance from outside, and no matter whatever the criticism and opposition, Myanmar has fine traditions of unwaveringly striving to successfully fulfill its objectives. As a result of the fine traditions, success has been achieved in the efforts against the drug menace. In the future also the State, the people and the Tatmadaw will join hands together and strive further to achieve successes. I would also like to record my appreciation to all those persons who helped in making this ceremony the destruction of seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals and paraphernalia a success. I would also like to say that in seeking to resolve the drugs problems which threaten humankind, just as it is important to uncover the real causes it is equally important that all nations of the world and all people actively cooperate in the endeavour with clear and noble state of mind.
Next, Chairman of Shan State (North) Committee for Drug Abuse Control Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing said that as this ceremony is burning the narcotic drugs which endanger all human being and we have again shown practically that we have been carrying out the tasks of drugs eradication as a national duty not only for our Northern Shan State but also for Myanmar Naing-ngan. Ceremonies like this have already been held in Northern Shan State thrice in 2002, once in 2003 and the total number is 5 times including this one.
To implement the task of drugs eradication with the guidance of the Head of State with a 15- year project for drugs eradication, with new destiny project of CCDAC and cooperation of local authorities, national brethren and regional people it can be carried out towards total eradication of poppy cultivation effectively.
In Northern Shan State, total eradication of poppy cultivation can be achieved at the western part of the Thanlwin river because of the strenuous efforts for eradication of poppy cultivation. We guarantee that in the eastern part of the Thanlwin river including the Kokang region, poppy cultivation is totally eradicated there. However, some few regions remain in remote areas in the eastern part of Thanlwin river and we will carry out the task of total eradication of poppy cultivation with added momentum. “Wa” leaders at the eastern part of Thanlwin river have promised to eradicate poppy cultivation during 2005. At the same time I here by promised firmly to carry out the anti-narcotic drugs activity till achieving a drug free State with added momentum.
Afterwards, Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi of MPF reported that this is the fifth occasion that we have burnt and destroyed narcotic drugs here in Lashio, Northern Shan States since 2002. Additionally there have been 33 occasions where narcotic drugs, chemical, precursors and poppy seeds that were seized from border areas and other towns were burnt and destroyed and another 18 occasions in Yangon. A total of US$14,452 worth of narcotic drugs were destroyed during those 18 occasions.
One of the most important elements, of this project is to advocate for surrendering poppy seeds to be destroyed. Though, poppy seeds do not contain morphine and were thus exempted from international control, the fact that these seeds themselves can be grown into plants led to advocate for surrendering them to be destroyed. In Northern Shan State, the destruction of 135,603 kilograms of poppy seeds surrendered by farmers prevented poppy cultivation in 83,039 acres which in turn prevented production of 36 tons of heroin.
To recap the efforts made in preventing poppy cultivation, I would like to emphasize out of the total 7,610 cultivated acres destroyed, 1,090 acres were in Northern Shan State during the year 2003-2004. Similarly, out of the 9,082 acres of poppy cultivated areas, 2,968 acres were destroyed in Northern Shan States during 2004-2005. In comparison, an additional 1,472 acres were destroyed between the period 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention though we have not received any international assistance or aid in this endeavours, senior Government officials have laid down directives, tactics and strategies to eradicate narcotic drugs utilizing our own resources.
Vice-Chairman of Shan State (North) CDAC Commander of Shan State (North) Police Force Police Col Win Naing briefed them on drug elimination, cultivation of opium-substitute crops, rehabilitation of drug addicts and kinds and numbers of drugs to be destroyed today.
National race leader of Tamoenye region U Myint Lwin, Kachin national race leader U Zaw Yun of Shan State (North) Special Region-5 and Palaung national race leader U Aik Mone of Special Region-7 reported on totally free of opium cultivation in their respective regions. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party tested the seized narcotic drugs, chemical precursors, poppy seeds and paraphernalia. They then viewed the documentary photos on drug eradication drive. Next, the Prime Minister and party, diplomats and local national race leaders pressed buttons to incinerate the seized narcotic drugs, chemical precursors, poppy seeds and paraphernalia. The Prime Minister cordially those present at the ceremony.
At the ceremony, 339.75 pyis of poppy seeds, 334.53 kilos of heroin, 225.50 kilos of opium, 57 kilos of morphine, 6.98 kilos of opium oil solid, 4.19 litres of opium oil, 646.35 kilos of stimulant tablets, 137 kilos of ephedrine, 12,282.04 litres of chemical liquid, 7,163.30 kilos of chemical powder and paraphernalia, totalling 78 items worth about K 4,000 million were destroyed.