Myanmar's drug empire poses growing threat to Bangladesh

The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, now entering its fourth year has provided fertile ground for drug cartels to expand their operations. The Shan State, in particular, has become a key hub for the production of illicit narcotics, posing significant challenges to neighboring countries, especially Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has emerged as a major destination for drugs originating from Myanmar, with Yaba (methamphetamine tablets) being the most trafficked substance. According to the Department of Narcotics Control in Bangladesh, the majority of Yaba shipments entering the country are sourced from Myanmar's Shan State.
The narcotics trade extends beyond Yaba, as Shan State has also become a significant producer of other dangerous drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice," and heroin. Although the presence of ice in Bangladesh was once limited, recent years have seen a dramatic increase in its availability and law enforcement seizures.
In November last year, Bangladesh's Coast Guard intercepted a kilogram of crystal meth valued at approximately Tk 5 crore near Shahporir Island in Teknaf. Similarly, in August, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized large quantities of Yaba and ice worth Tk 21 crore in the Teknaf and Naikhong border regions.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that Myanmar became the world's leading opium producer in 2024. The Shan State’s mountainous regions are home to vast poppy fields, which are used to produce heroin. Additionally, nearly 50 factories in the area manufacture synthetic drugs like Yaba and ice.
Previously, Myanmar was known to host 37 Yaba production facilities, but this number has more than doubled amidst the ongoing conflict. Shan State, bordered by China, Thailand, and Laos, is part of the infamous Golden Triangle, a region known for its thriving drug trade. The availability of raw materials such as methamphetamine and caffeine from this region, along with ephedrine sourced from China, fuels the booming narcotics industry in Shan State.
Recent investigations, including reports from The New York Times, highlight how Shan State has become a nexus for warlords, smugglers, and drug traffickers. The breakdown of Myanmar’s state machinery has allowed these operations to grow unchecked.
Drug traffickers interviewed in various reports have revealed that the collapse of governmental and military oversight has significantly reduced barriers to their activities. Insurgent groups in the region are believed to rely heavily on profits from the drug trade to finance their armed operations, further exacerbating the situation.
As Myanmar's narcotics industry flourishes, the ripple effects are increasingly felt in Bangladesh, posing serious social, economic, and security challenges for the nation.