The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2025 Southeast Asia
Illicit drugs Burma (Myanmar), in 36 editions.
The entry for Burma (Myanmar) published Illicit drugs in 36 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2025. The text changed in 27 editions. Each is shown as published. Illicit drugs in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 27
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2025
Published as “Illicit drugs” (1990 to 2025).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2025 edition
Rewritten since 2024The same text in 1990 and 1991.
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- opium production is on the increase as growers respond to the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs
world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opium production is on the increase as growers respond to the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- opium production is on the increase as growers respond to the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs
world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of
cannabis for the international drug trade; opium production is on the
increase as growers respond to the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic
programs
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- opium production has nearly doubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs
world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of
cannabis for the international drug trade; opium production is on the has nearlyincrease as growers respond to doubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,575 metric tons in 1993) and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- opium production has doubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs
world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy (2,575 metric tons in 1993)
and minor producer of
production has nearlydoubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic
programs
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,030 metric tons in 1994 - dropped 21% due to regional drought in 1994) and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- opium production continues to be almost double since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs;
- growing role in amphetamine production for regional consumption
world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,575 (2,030 metric
tons in 1993)1994 - dropped 21% due to regional drought in 1994) and minor
producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opium
production has doubled continues to be almost double since the collapse of
Rangoon's antinarcotic programs; growing role in amphetamineprograms production for regional consumption
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,340 metric tons in 1995) and source for over 60% of US heroin imports;
- minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- Rangoon's antinarcotic programs hindered by lack of resources, government commitment;
- growing role in methamphetamine production for regional consumption
world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,030 metric (2,340
metric tons in 1994 - dropped 21% due to regional drought in 1994) 1995) and minor source for over 60% of US heroin imports;
minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opiumproduction continues to be almost double since the collapse ofRangoon's antinarcotic programs; programs hindered by lack of resources,
government commitment; growing role in amphetaminemethamphetamine production
for regional consumption
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,560 metric tons in 1996 - a 9% increase over 1995) and a minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of serious government commitment and resources continue to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- growing role in the production of methamphetamines for regional consumption BURUNDI
world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,340(2,560 metric
tons in 1996 - a 9% increase over 1995) and source for over 60% of US heroin imports;a minor producer of
cannabis for the international drug trade; surrender of drug warlordRangoon's antinarcotic programs hindered KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a
major counternarcotics success, but lack of resources,serious government commitment;
commitment and resources continue to hinder the overall antidrug
effort; growing role in methamphetamine the production
regional consumption
BURUNDI
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest illicit producer of opium (cultivation in 1997-155,150 hectares, a 5% decline from 1996; potential production-2,365 metric tons, an 8% drop from 1996) and a minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of serious government commitment and resources continue to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- growing role in the production of methamphetamines for regional consumption BURUNDI
world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,560 metric (cultivationtons in 1996 - 1997-155,150 hectares, a 9% increase over 1995) 5% decline from 1996; potential
production-2,365 metric tons, an 8% drop from 1996) and a minor
producer of
drug warlord
Rangoon as agovernment
government commitment and resources continue to hinder the overall antidrug
antidrug effort; growing role in the production of methamphetamines for
for regional consumption
BURUNDI
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's largest producer of illicit opium (cultivation in 1998--130,300 hectares, a 16% decline from 1997; potential production--1,750 metric tons, down 26% due to drought and the first eradication effort since the current government took power in 1987) and a minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;
- surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of serious government commitment and resources continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- growing role in the production of methamphetamines for regional consumption
world's largest illicit producer of illicit opium (cultivation
(cultivation in 1997-155,150 1998--130,300 hectares, a 5% 16% decline from 1996; potential 1997;production-2,365 potential production--1,750 metric tons, an 8% drop from 1996) down 26% due to drought and
the first eradication effort since the current government took power
in 1987) and a minor
trade; surrender of
1996 was hailed by
lack of seriouscontinue continues to
hinder the overall
of methamphetamines
BURUNDI
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's second largest producer of illicit opium, after Afghanistan (potential production in 1999 - 1,090 metric tons, down 38% due to drought; cultivation in 1999 - 89,500 hectares, a 31% decline from 1998);
- surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- becoming a major source of methamphetamines for regional consumption [Country Listing] [ The World Factbook Home]
world's second largest producer of illicit opium opium, after Afghanistan (potential production in
(cultivation1998--130,300 hectares, a 16% decline from 1997; 1999 - 1,090 metric tons, down
potential production--1,75026% 38% due to drought anddrought; cultivation in
the first eradication effort since the current government took power1987) and 1999 - 89,500 hectares, a minor producer of cannabis for the international drug 31% decline from 1998); surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January
trade;serious government commitment will and resources ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues togrowing role in the productionbecoming a major source of methamphetamines for regional consumption [Country Listing] [ The World Factbook Home]
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's second largest producer of illicit opium, after Afghanistan (potential production in 1999 - 1,090 metric tons, down 38% due to drought; cultivation in 1999 - 89,500 hectares, a 31% decline from 1998);
- surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- becoming a major source of methamphetamine for regional consumption
world's second largest producer of illicit opium, after Afghanistan (potential production in 1999 - 1,090 metric tons, down 38% due to drought; cultivation in 1999 - 89,500 hectares, a 31% decline from 1998); surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; becoming a major source of methamphetamines methamphetamine for regional consumption [Country Listing] [ The World Factbook Home]
The same text in 2002 and 2003.
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's second largest producer of illicit opium (potential production in 2002 - 630 metric tons, down 27% due to drought and, to a lesser extent, eradication; cultivation in 2002 - 77,000 hectares, a 27% decline from 2001);
- surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption
world's second largest producer of illicit opium, after Afghanistan opium (potential production in 1999 2002 - 1,090 630 metric tons, down 38% 27% due to drought; drought and, to a lesser extent, eradication; cultivation in 1999 2002 - 89,500 77,000 hectares, a 31% 27% decline from 1998); 2001); surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; becoming a major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's second largest producer of illicit opium (potential production in 2003 - 484 metric tons, down 23% due to eradication efforts and alternate development; cultivation in 2003 - 47,130 hectares, a 39% decline from 2002);
- surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption;
- currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls
world's second largest producer of illicit opium (potential production in 2002 2003 - 630 484 metric tons, down 27% 23% due to drought and, to a lesser extent, eradication; eradication efforts and alternate development; cultivation in 2002 2003 - 77,000 47,130 hectares, a 27% 39% decline from 2001); 2002); surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption consumption; currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls
Entry published as “Burma”.
- remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium (estimated production in 2004 - 292 metric tons, down 40% from 2003 due to eradication efforts and drought; cultivation in 2004 - 30,900 hectares, a 34% decline from 2003);
- lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption;
- currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls (2005)
remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium (potential (estimated production in 2003 2004 - 484 292 metric tons, down 23% 40% from 2003 due to eradication efforts and alternate development; drought; cultivation in 2003 2004 - 47,130 30,900 hectares, a 39% 34% decline from 2002); surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but 2003); lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption; currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls (2005)
Entry published as “Burma”.
- remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium (estimated production in 2004 - 292 metric tons, down 40% from 2003 due to eradication efforts and drought; cultivation in 2004 - 30,900 hectares, a 34% decline from 2003);
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption;
- currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls (2005)
remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium (estimated production in 2004 - 292 metric tons, down 40% from 2003 due to eradication efforts and drought; cultivation in 2004 - 30,900 hectares, a 34% decline from 2003); lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption; currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls (2005)
Entry published as “Burma”.
- remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2005 of 380 metric tons, up 13% from 2004 and cultivation in 2005 was 40,000 hectares, a 10% increase from 2004;
- the decline in opium production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control was more than offset by increases in south and east Shan state;
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption;
- currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls (2005)
remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium (estimated with an estimated production in 2004 - 292 2005 of 380 metric tons, down 40% up 13% from 2003 due to eradication efforts 2004 and drought; cultivation in 2004 - 30,900 2005 was 40,000 hectares, a 34% decline 10% increase from 2003); 2004; the decline in opium production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control was more than offset by increases in south and east Shan state; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption; currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls (2005)
Entry published as “Burma”.
- remains world's second-largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2008 of 340 metric tons, an increase of 26%, and cultivation in 2008 was 22,500 hectares, a 4% increase from 2007;
- production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low;
- Shan state is the source of 94% of poppy cultivation;
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption;
- currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls (2008)
remains world's second largest second-largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2005 2008 of 380 340 metric tons, up 13% from 2004 an increase of 26%, and cultivation in 2005 2008 was 40,000 22,500 hectares, a 10% 4% increase from 2004; the decline in opium 2007; production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control was more than offset by increases in south and east remains low; Shan state; state is the source of 94% of poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption; currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls (2005) (2008)
The same text in 2009 and 2010.
Entry published as “Burma”.
- remains world's second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2008 of 340 metric tons, an increase of 26%, and poppy cultivation in 2008 totaled 22,500 hectares, a 4% increase from 2007;
- production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low;
- Shan state is the source of 94% of Burma's poppy cultivation;
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2008)
remains world's second-largest second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2008 of 340 metric tons, an increase of 26%, and poppy cultivation in 2008 was totaled 22,500 hectares, a 4% increase from 2007; production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94% of Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption; currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls consumption (2008)
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's third largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2009 of 250 metric tons, a decrease of 27%, and poppy cultivation in 2009 totaled 17,000 hectares, a 24% decrease from 2008;
- production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low;
- Shan state is the source of 94.5% of Burma's poppy cultivation;
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2011)
remains world's second third largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2008 2009 of 340 250 metric tons, an increase a decrease of 26%, 27%, and poppy cultivation in 2008 2009 totaled 22,500 17,000 hectares, a 4% increase 24% decrease from 2007; 2008; production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94% 94.5% of Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2008) (2011)
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's third largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2009 of 250 metric tons, a decrease of 27%, and poppy cultivation in 2009 totaled 17,000 hectares, a 24% decrease from 2008;
- production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low;
- Shan state is the source of 94.5% of Burma's poppy cultivation;
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2008)
world's third largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2009 of 250 metric tons, a decrease of 27%, and poppy cultivation in 2009 totaled 17,000 hectares, a 24% decrease from 2008; production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94.5% of Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2011) (2008)
The same text in 4 editions, 2013 to 2016.
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's third largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2012 of 690 metric tons, an increase of 13% over 2011, and poppy cultivation in 2012 totaled 51,000 hectares, a 17% increase over 2011;
- production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low;
- Shan state is the source of 94.5% of Burma's poppy cultivation;
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2013)
world's third largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2009 2012 of 250 690 metric tons, a decrease an increase of 27%, 13% over 2011, and poppy cultivation in 2009 2012 totaled 17,000 51,000 hectares, a 24% decrease from 2008; 17% increase over 2011; production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low; Shan state is the source of 94.5% of Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2008) (2013)
The same text in 2017 and 2018.
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated poppy cultivation totaling 55,500 hectares in 2015 and an estimated potential production of 647 mt of raw opium;
- Shan state is the source of 91% of Burma's poppy cultivation;
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption
world's third second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated production in 2012 of 690 metric tons, an increase of 13% over 2011, and poppy cultivation totaling 55,500 hectares in 2012 totaled 51,000 hectares, a 17% increase over 2011; 2015 and an estimated potential production in the United Wa State Army's areas of greatest control remains low; 647 mt of raw opium; Shan state is the source of 94.5% 91% of Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption (2013)
The same text in 2019 and 2020.
Entry published as “Burma”.
- world's second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated poppy cultivation totaling 41,000 hectares in 2017, a decrease of 25% from the last survey in 2015;
- Shan state is the source of 91% of Burma's poppy cultivation;
- lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort;
- Burma is one of the world’s largest producers of amphetamine-type stimulants, which are trafficked throughout the region, as far afield as Australia and New Zealand
world's second largest producer of illicit opium with an estimated poppy cultivation totaling 55,500 41,000 hectares in 2015 and an estimated potential production of 647 mt 2017, a decrease of raw opium; 25% from the last survey in 2015; Shan state is the source of 91% of Burma's poppy cultivation; lack of government will to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source Burma is one of methamphetamine the world’s largest producers of amphetamine-type stimulants, which are trafficked throughout the region, as far afield as Australia and heroin for regional consumption New Zealand
Entry published as “Burma”.
- a major source of illicit methamphetamine and opiates;
- illicit import of precursor chemicals from China increased production and trafficking of synthetic drugs;
- second-largest opium poppy cultivator in Asia, with an estimated 20,200 hectares grown in 2019;
- “Yaba,” a tablet containing methamphetamine, caffeine, and other stimulants, is produced in Burma and trafficked regionally;
- ethnic armed groups (EAGs), military-affiliated militias, and transnational criminal organizations oversee billion dollar a drug production and trafficking industry;
- drugs produced in Burma are trafficked beyond Southeast Asia to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan;
- not a major source or transit country for drugs entering the United States
Rewritten: too little of the 2020 text remains to mark the changes.
a major source of illicit methamphetamine and opiates; illicit import of precursor chemicals from China increased production and trafficking of synthetic drugs; second-largest opium poppy cultivator in Asia, with an estimated 20,200 hectares grown in 2019; “Yaba,” a tablet containing methamphetamine, caffeine, and other stimulants, is produced in Burma and trafficked regionally; ethnic armed groups (EAGs), military-affiliated militias, and transnational criminal organizations oversee billion dollar a drug production and trafficking industry; drugs produced in Burma are trafficked beyond Southeast Asia to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan; not a major source or transit country for drugs entering the United States
Entry published as “Burma”.
- a major source of illicit methamphetamine and opiates;
- illicit import of precursor chemicals from China increased production and trafficking of synthetic drugs;
- second-largest opium poppy cultivator in Asia, with an estimated 20,200 hectares grown in 2019;
- “Yaba,” a tablet containing methamphetamine, caffeine, and other stimulants, is produced in Burma and trafficked regionally;
- ethnic armed organizations, military-affiliated militias, and transnational criminal organizations oversee billion dollar drug production and trafficking industry;
- drugs produced in Burma are trafficked beyond Southeast Asia to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan;
- not a major source or transit country for drugs entering the United States
- (2021)
a major source of illicit methamphetamine and opiates; illicit import of precursor chemicals from China increased production and trafficking of synthetic drugs; second-largest opium poppy cultivator in Asia, with an estimated 20,200 hectares grown in 2019; “Yaba,” a tablet containing methamphetamine, caffeine, and other stimulants, is produced in Burma and trafficked regionally; ethnic armed groups (EAGs), organizations, military-affiliated militias, and transnational criminal organizations oversee billion dollar a drug production and trafficking industry; drugs produced in Burma are trafficked beyond Southeast Asia to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan; not a major source or transit country for drugs entering the United States
(2021)
Entry published as “Burma”.
- source of precursor or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics;
- narcotics produced in Burma trafficked throughout the region, with routes extending beyond Southeast Asia to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan;
- second-largest opium poppy cultivator in Asia with an estimated 40,100 hectares grown in 2022;
- not a major source or transit country for drugs entering the United States;
- domestic consumption of synthetic drug cocktails such as “Happy Water” and “Wei Tiong” (mixtures of drugs including caffeine, methamphetamine, tramadol, and MDMA) popular among the younger population and domestic drug consumption substantial and widespread.
- (2021)
Rewritten: too little of the 2022 text remains to mark the changes.
source of precursor or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics; narcotics produced in Burma trafficked throughout the region, with routes extending beyond Southeast Asia to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan; second-largest opium poppy cultivator in Asia with an estimated 40,100 hectares grown in 2022; not a major source or transit country for drugs entering the United States; domestic consumption of synthetic drug cocktails such as “Happy Water” and “Wei Tiong” (mixtures of drugs including caffeine, methamphetamine, tramadol, and MDMA) popular among the younger population and domestic drug consumption substantial and widespread.
(2021)
Entry published as “Burma”.
- source of precursor or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics;
- narcotics produced in Burma trafficked throughout the region, with routes extending beyond Southeast Asia to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan;
- largest opium poppy cultivator globally with an estimated 47,100 hectares grown in 2023;
- not a major source or transit country for drugs entering the United States;
- domestic consumption of synthetic drug cocktails such as Yaba, “Happy Water,” and “Wei Tiong” (mixtures of drugs including caffeine, methamphetamine, tramadol, and MDMA) popular among the younger population and domestic drug consumption substantial and widespread. (2021)
source of precursor or essential chemicals used in the production of illicit narcotics; narcotics produced in Burma trafficked throughout the region, with routes extending beyond Southeast Asia to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan; second-largest largest opium poppy cultivator in Asia globally with an estimated 40,100 47,100 hectares grown in 2022; 2023; not a major source or transit country for drugs entering the United States; domestic consumption of synthetic drug cocktails such as Yaba, “Happy Water” Water,” and “Wei Tiong” (mixtures of drugs including caffeine, methamphetamine, tramadol, and MDMA) popular among the younger population and domestic drug consumption substantial and widespread.
Entry published as “Burma”.
- USG identification:
- major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
- major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Rewritten: too little of the 2024 text remains to mark the changes.
USG identification:
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
No edition has those words. Try a shorter word.
Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “Burma (Myanmar): Illicit drugs.” The World Factbook, 1990–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/burma/illicit-drugs.