Home Affairs Minister says armed groups exploiting ongoing internal conflict to produce and trade drugs, procure weapons and ammunition, and recruit new members

Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe said armed groups are taking advantage of the ongoing internal conflict to engage in drug production, transportation and trafficking, as well as the procurement of weapons and ammunition and the recruitment of new members.

He made the remarks at the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control meeting (1/2026), held at the Arindama Hall of the Myanmar Police Force Headquarters on September 16.

Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe, said that most countries around the world are suffering significant social, economic and health impacts from the drug problem, which also affects national stability, peace and development. According to UNODC statistics, about 316 million people worldwide used drugs in 2025. Myanmar is increasingly facing problems related to synthetic drugs and that drug-abuse prevention and control bodies have already been formed at various levels, from the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and its working groups to local drug-abuse prevention and control bodies at the Nay Pyi Taw Council, region and state, ward and village and village tract levels.

He said armed insurgent groups are taking advantage of the ongoing internal conflict to engage in drug production, transportation and trafficking, as well as the procurement of weapons and ammunition and the recruitment of new members. Chemicals and related materials used in drug production are being transported from foreign countries and drugs are being produced in areas under their control. The eradication of drugs has been designated as a national responsibility, and a steering committee has been formed to review, revise and draft the “National Drug Control Strategic Plan.” Based on the achievements of Operation 42, a special operation against drugs in Myanmar, it is necessary to continue such operations and prevent not only drugs but also chemicals, related materials and chemical experts from entering the country. He also stressed the need to cooperate with the Myanmar Navy, Marine Police Force and port authorities to block and seize drugs at maritime exit points. Inspections, supervision, investigations and arrests should be carried out at KTVs, bars, clubs, entertainment venues, hotels, motels and guesthouses in the Nay Pyi Taw Council area and regions and states to prevent drug use and sales.

He said 58 fugitives wanted for drug-related offences in Myanmar had been arrested from 2025 through August 2026 and were being transferred to the relevant countries. In 2025, more than K4.285 billion in proceeds were seized and confiscated as public property in 685 drug-related cases, while more than K3.585 billion was seized and confiscated from 356 cases up to August 2026. Cash rewards and honorary medals are being presented to members of the Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force, partner organizations and informants who have made sacrifices in drug-control operations. Additional rewards are also being provided under the Counter-Terrorism Law when weapons and ammunition are seized together with drugs. Relevant region and state drug-abuse prevention and control bodies need to conduct advance awareness campaigns to reduce and eradicate opium cultivation. Arrangements should be made to provide opium farmers with income-generating opportunities, as well as suitable crops and access to markets in line with local conditions.

Participants at the meeting discussed recommendations concerning drug-control efforts undertaken, future plans and ongoing activities, it is reported.

The meeting was attended in person by Deputy Chairman Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Phone Myat, Secretary and Myanmar Police Force Chief Lt-Gen Soe Hlaing, Joint Secretary and Commander of the Drug Enforcement Police Force, members of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, chairpersons and secretaries of working groups, officials from the Myanmar Police Force and representatives of relevant ministries. Chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, secretaries and joint secretaries of region and state drug-abuse prevention and control bodies participated via video conference.