Myanmar Surpasses Afghanistan as World's Largest Opium Producer
TL;DR Summary
Myanmar has surpassed Afghanistan as the world's largest producer of opium, according to a United Nations report. Myanmar produced an estimated 1,080 metric tonnes of opium this year, while opium production in Afghanistan slumped by 95% due to the Taliban's ban on poppy cultivation. The "Golden Triangle" region between Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand has long been a hub for illegal drug production and trafficking. Myanmar's opiate economy is now valued between $1 billion and $2.4 billion, equivalent to 1.7% to 4.1% of the country's GDP. The increase in poppy cultivation in Myanmar is attributed to conflict, instability, and poor access to markets.
- Myanmar becomes world’s biggest producer of opium, overtaking Afghanistan The Guardian
- War-wracked Myanmar is now the world's top opium producer, surpassing Afghanistan, says UN agency The Associated Press
- Myanmar Overtakes Afghanistan as World’s Top Opium Producer VOA Asia
- Forget Afghanistan, Myanmar is now the world’s top opium producer, UN says South China Morning Post
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