Combat narcotic drugs by all means
June 26
Successive governments in Myanmar
have made drug elimination a top national priority. To combat issues on poppy
cultivation, opium production, drug trafficking and drug abuse at different
levels, Myanmar has adopted a National Drug Control Strategy aligned with
resolutions from the United Nations General Assembly. The strategy involves
assigning states and regions to develop action plans tailored to their
localities, enabling practical implementation of drug control activities.
Efforts to enforce drug laws have
been intensified through close collaboration between the Tatmadaw, Myanmar
Police Force, and Customs Department under the supervision of the Central
Committee for Drug Abuse Control. The government has equipped the Drug
Enforcement Division with modern equipment to facilitate the interception of
drug production and trafficking.
To tackle the problem at its
root, Myanmar has undertaken various measures to reduce poppy cultivation. The
alternative development administration sector, agricultural sector, and
livestock breeding sector have taken full responsibility for implementing
consistent alternative development programs aimed at gradually decreasing poppy
cultivation.
In order to provide treatment and
harm reduction services for drug addicts, the Ministry of Health has
established 29 major treatment centres, 56 minor drug treatment centres, and 86
methadone maintenance clinics. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and
Resettlement provides for reintegrating ex-addicts into society through
rehabilitation centres. Moreover, awareness is raised for students to know the
danger of narcotic drugs by all means.
Recognizing that the drug problem
cannot be solved solely through law enforcement and judiciary measures, a
balanced approach is being pursued. This approach involves focusing on public
healthcare, improving living standards, promoting humanity, supporting
development, and safeguarding basic human rights. Rather than treating drug
addicts as criminals, the government and civil society organizations have
collaborated to amend laws and regulations, emphasizing drug addiction as a
health issue rather than a crime. Hospital-based and community-based treatment
services are provided to individuals, offering the necessary support to
overcome drug addiction.
In the pursuit of reducing drug
production and smuggling, Myanmar is committed to continued cooperation with UN
member states and different agencies, international and regional organizations,
neighbouring countries, NGOs, and INGOs in eradicating narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances as much as it can.
As the Central Committee for Drug
Abuse Control (CCDAC) examines the changing trends of the drug problem, it
emphasizes the importance of every citizen participating in preventive measures
against drugs from various angles. It is through the collective efforts of the
government, relevant organizations, and individuals that a comprehensive
solution to the drug issue can be achieved.
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