ASEAN News

Yangon, 30 Nov-The Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force and the Customs Department exposed 286 drug-related cases in October. The authorities seized 341.3297 kilos of opium in 19 cases, 3.1406 kilos of heroin in 109 cases, 0.171 kilo of opium oil in three cases, 14.921 kilos of low-grade opium in 20 cases, 28.9584 kilos of marijuana in 34 cases, 28.87 litres of Phensedyl in four cases, 2,559,939 stimulant tablets in 46 cases, 7.035 kilos of ephedrine in one case, 10.62 litres of cough syrup in three cases, 6.1913 litres of stimulant powder and 22 kilos of caffeine in two cases, 39 cases for failure to register and six other cases. Action was taken against 404 people 328 men and 76 women' involved in 286 cases during the period.

Yangon, 29 Nov - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Yangon Special Anti- drug Squad, acting on information, while waiting at the corner of Kyansittha Street and No 2 Street, Ward 17 in Dagon Myothit ( South ) and arrested Win Naing Oo, 27, of Zeyawady Ward, Helgu together with 1.55 kilos of marijuana at 1.05 pm on 14 April 2000. Action has been taken against him in accord with Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Law by Dagon Myothit (South ) Police Station.The Yangon East District Court handed down a sentence of twenty- five year's imprisonment on him under Section 19 ( A) on 30 Octobers 200.

Yangon, 28 Nov- The Drug Educative Committee of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held a coordination meeting at the hall of Information and Public Relations Department on Pansoedan Street at 3.30 pm today. - Present were Chairman of the Committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Col Kyaw Myint of the Ministry of Defence, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Information and officials. The Chairman gave a speech. Secretary of the Committee Director-General of IPRD U Chit Naing reported on progress of work. Then, participants took part in the discussions. Later, the chairman gave the concluding remarks.

Yangon, 26 Nov - secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected construction of the Museum on Narcotic Drugs at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Streets in Kamayut Township this evening. The Secretary-1, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the construction site of the Museum on Narcotic Drugs at 3.45 pm.

They were welcomed by Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, committee members and departmental officials. In the briefing hall, Minister Col Tin Hlaing reported on progress of construction work, the growing of trees and flowering plants, and Chairman of Yuzana Construction Group U Htay Myint on work to be carried out. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the work. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected progress of construction work and left instructions.

Yangon, 24 Nov - Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held a meeting at Ministry of Home Affairs Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing addressed the meeting. Also present were Minister at Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, members of CCDAC and guests. The chairman said the meeting was held to coordinate and make decisions to hold meetings monthly in accord with the given guidance by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt at the Special Meeting 3/2000 of CCDAC. And it was also for recounting the experiences of the 24th meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA) hosted by Myanmar. Then, Joint Secretary of CCDAC and Head of Drug Eradication Department Police Col Kham Aung gave an account on implementation of the guidance of the Secretary-1. Afterwards, Work Committees discussed implementation of 15 year-project of drug eradication. Later, the chairman urged the committees to effectively carry out the plans to be implemented in coming year laying down action plans.

Yangon, 24 Nov - Two Singaporean drug traffickers were sentenced to death for possession of 5.05 kilos of heroin on 21 March this year. Yangon North District Court also handed down 50 years' imprisonment to each of the two men, Ng Chiong Beng and Son Ban Chuan, who were caught by authorities while trying to smuggle out the drugs at Yangon International Airport on 28 October last year.

The two men were about to leave Yangon by Thai Airways TG-306 flight when authorities acting on information searched Ng Chiong Beng, 30, and found the heroin wrapped in seven packages on his body. The authorities who were of the combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and airport special anti-drug squad also arrested the 26-year-old drug owner, Son Ban Chuan.

The Airport Police Station of Mingaladon Township took action against the two, Ng Chiong Beng, son of Mr Ng Cheng, and Son Ban Chuan, son of Son Cave Chaun, under sections 19 (a), 20 (a) and 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Yangon, 17 Nov - The Shwebo District Court punished a man and a woman, giving 15 and 10 years' imprisonment respectively to them for trafficking raw opium on 25 September this year. A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and local Railways Police Force, acting on information, at Shwebo Station, at 2.50 pm on 7 May, 2000, searched the No 3 coach of Mandalay-Naba up train and seized Bo Sein and Ma Than Tint together with 3.593 kilograms of raw opium. The Shwebo Police Station filed Bo Sein, 50, son of U Taloke, Lay-ein-dan Village, Myingyan Township, and Ma Than Tint, 50, daughter of U Thein Aung, the same village under Sections 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

The Shwebo District Court heard the case and sentenced Bo Sein to 15 years' in prison under Section 19(A) and Ma Than Tint to 10 years' in prison under Sections 19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Twenty-fourth Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific successfully concludes

Yangon, 17 Nov - The twenty-fourth Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific, jointly sponsored by United Nations Drug Control Programme and Myanmar and hosted by Myanmar, successfully concluded at the Hotel Equatorial on Alanpya Pagoda Road, here, at 10.30 am today.

Meeting Chairman Leader of Myanmar delegation Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win made an opening speech. This was followed by a general round of discussions.

Then, Meeting Chairman Leader of Myanmar delegation Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win made a concluding speech. In his address, Police Maj-Gen Soe Win said that the meeting was held with a view to searching better means and ways for cooperation after understanding each other's situation and problems, and it could be attributed to strengthening and enhancing the common base of cooperation among law enforcement officers who are working towards a common goal. The distinguished delegates who were attending the meeting put forwards their excellent and very informative presentations which includes the four working groups topics namely illicit trafficking of heroin and abuse, electronic crimes or cyber crimes, ATS control and illicit trafficking by sea, and these presentations led to very open and frank discussions from the floor, and making the meeting a success. Trust and confidence could be built among law enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies through sharing experiences and giving thoughtful insights and inputs.

Last, but not the least, he wished to thank Ms Joanne Grieg and Mr Ian Munroe of UNDCP for their kind assistance and advice to make the meeting running smoothly and successfully from start to end. The meeting came to a close at 10.30 am. Heads and delegation members who were attending the Twenty-fourth Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific visited the Shwedagon Pagoda this after noon.

News conference on Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and Pacific held

Yangon, 17 Nov - A news conference on the 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific, which was co-sponsored by United Nations Drug Control Programme and Myanmar, was held at the Hotel Equatorial on Alanpya Pagoda Road in Dagon Township today.

It was attended by leader of Myanmar delegation Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, Bangkok-based UNDCP Law Enforcement Adviser Mr Yngve Danling, Residential Representative of UNDCP Mr Jean-Luc Lemahieu, SAC F/Director Mr Tan Seck Kang of the Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore, delegates of respective nations who attended the meeting, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Director (News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun, Adviser to the Minister for Information U Kyaw Min, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondent Club U Sein Win, President U Sao Kai Hpa, Secretary U Nyunt Tin and correspondents and local and foreign journalists. Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win said that the 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific, which started on 14 November, concluded successfully today. The main topics discussed at the meeting were four topics laid down by the 23rd HONLEA Meeting: illegal trafficking of heroin, electronic crimes concerning the strategy of drug trafficking, control of stimulant tablets and trafficking in drugs through sea routes. These topics were discussed by the delegates in four groups, he said.

Altogether 18 nations as well as Hongkong Special Administration Region and Macao Special Administration Region totalling 20 took part in the meeting. Altogether 82 delegates and 8 observers attended the meeting. The meeting was cosponsored by the Head Office of UNDCP and the CCDAC of Myanmar, and there have been benefits and success for hosting that meeting. It is heard that heads and delegates of various nations made remarks that this meeting was more successful than previous ones. One significant thing is that although there was an accusation that heroin was produced from the golden triangle region, it is found in view of seizures of heroin and evidence that heroin has been flowing into east Asia from the west. One more significant thing is that the drug trafficking routes have changed.

In response to the question raised by U Nyunt Tin of Fuji TV about heroin passage from the west to the east, Police Maj-Gen Soe Win said that although it was said that heroin seized previously was produced from the golden triangle region shared by Myanmar, Thailand and Laos, it has been known on account of laboratory experiments and seizures that the passage of heroin produced from the golden crescent region has reached up to Pakistan. There is a decrease in terms of cultivation and production, and the 15-year project in course of implementation and narcotic drug elimination programmes are being implemented in cooperation with national race leaders. The 15-year project has been one year old, and within this period, cultivation and production of narcotic drugs has decreased. Member of Myanmar delegation Head of Department of the Office of Strategic Studies Col Kyaw Thein said 'What the Secretary of the CCDAC has mentioned about the finding of heroin substances reaching the part of the Asia and Pacific region, was included in some of the discussions made during the past few days. Some countries have stated that they have found illegal smuggling of heroin and related drugs which originated from the golden crescent area. These have been discussed during these few days.

This is what the Secretary of the CCDAC have said.' Adviser to the Minister for Information U Kyaw Min said 'The absence of certain countries has not adversely affected the impact on the meeting but would it not be wise to come to the conclusion that their absenting themselves from here would boomerang on them since they are what we might call them on the receiving end of these drugs too and they should be able to send some representatives here at least to make it a point that they heed what we are doing for the entire mankind.' Mr Yngve Danling said 'I still do not believe their absence from this meeting caused any damage to the meeting and for the future, either. But of course, UNDCP as an organization is looking for funding from all the developed countries. We do lack funding from the European countries when it comes to support to Myanmar. On the other hand, the law enforcement programme which is executed by my office in Bangkok, is covering six countries including Myanmar and we love similar activities in Myanmar as in the other five so-called MoU countries, China, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. So when it comes to supporting law enforcement agencies, Myanmar gets the same share, so to say, of the UNDCP support. The news conference came to a stop in the afternoon.

Control of stimulants, trafficking in drugs through sea routes discussed at Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and Pacific

Yangon, 16 Nov - The third day session of the 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific, co-sponsored by United Nations Drug Control Programme and Myanmar, was held at the Hotel Equatorial today. Present at the meeting were officials of UNDCP and INTERPOL, the delegate of ASEAN, those of the South Pacific Island Countries Association, and leaders and members of the delegations of Australia, Azerbai-jan, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Mr Chartchai Suthiklom, officiating deputy secretary-general of Thai Narcotic Drugs Control Board, led the group discussions on control of stimulants and made a speech. Next, UNDCP Official Mr Lan Munro explained the agenda of the third day session.

Mr Chartchai Suthiklom gave a presentation on national narcotic drugs control activities with the help of video slides. Afterwards, member of Myanmar delegation Head of Department of the Office of Strategic Studies Col Kyaw Thein gave a presentation. He said: Since the Government of the Union of Myanmar had designated the fight against narcotic drugs a national task, narcotic drugs control and suppression measures were intensified within the country after 1988. When in 1996, the illicit production and trafficking of stimulant drugs made its appearance, greater priority was given to implementation of stronger measures for control and suppression. As a result, the amount of stimulant drugs seized up to September 2000 is as given below:

Year	stimulant tables ( In million )	Ephedrine ( in kilo )	Caffeine ( in kilo)
1996	5.906	-	-
1997	5.028	2420	-
1998	16.026	3819	-
1999	28.887	6485	-
2000 ( up to Sept )	22.820	2657	2022
Total	76.667	15381	2022

Being thus confronted with this new problem of stimulant tablets, the government has taken measures that include conducting and participating in workshops both at home and abroad; it has drawn up and accordingly implemented special plans and programmes to prevent the penetration of stimulant drug use among students and youths; it has enhanced cooperation not only with neighbouring countries but also with countries in the region; and has cooperated with non-governmental organizations both local and international, to carry out, not only narcotic drug control, but also educative activities which are given the highest priority. Synthetic drugs generally known as ATS are produced principally on a base of precursor chemicals and have a greater impact than natural organic narcotics such as opium and marijuana. So to control synthetic drugs there must be effective control of precursor chemicals.

The equation then is quite clear " No precursors, no drugs". We should also keep in mind the question of consumption and demand. If there is a market for narcotic drugs, there will always be production to meet the demand. Every nation should take note of this and following a balanced approach between demand and supply, they should take measures to bring both to an end simultaneously. Now that the deadline set for a " Drug Free ASEAN" has been advanced from 2020 to 2015, it is imperative that nations in the regions, including Myanmar, cooperate closely to resolve the pressing problem of ATS stimulants, which threaten us all today. It is only through such cooperation that we can hope to achieve the goal of a Drug Free ASEAN by 2015."

Mr Romeo Sanga of INTERPOL brought forth video slides showing seizures of heroin and stimulants, and control activities in various parts of the world. Delegate of India Mr H P Kumar spoke of cooperation speeded up between Myanmar and India, and success achieved in the tasks. The afternoon session saw group discussions on trafficking in drugs through sea routes. Director of Japan National Police Mr Yasunori Orita led the discussions and made a speech. The meeting continues tomorrow.

Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and Pacific continues

Yangon, 15 Nov - The second day session of the 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific, co-sponsored by United Nations Drug Control Programme and Myanmar, continued at the Hotel Equatorial today. Present at the meeting were officials of UNDCP and INTERPOL, delegates of ASEAN, those of South Pacific Island Countries Association and heads of delegations of Australia, Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Meeting Chairman the leader of Myanmar delegation Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win gave a speech. Drug Control Officer of UNDCP Mr Lan Munro explained the agenda of the second day meeting. Joint Secretary of CCDAC Police Col Kham Aung reported to the meeting on Myanmar's national anti-narcotic drug activities with audio-visual aids.

He also answered to queries raised by the participants. Heads of the delegates to the 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific held group-wise discussions on illicit trafficking of heroin, consumption rate, effectiveness of anti-drug strategic electronic systems, control of stimulant pills and trafficking of drugs along the sea lanes. The meeting continues on 16 November.

Twenty-fourth Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific begins

Yangon, 14 Nov - The Twenty-fourth Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific jointly-sponsored by United Nations Drug Control Programme and Myanmar, and hosted in Myanmar was held at the Hotel Equatorial on Alanpya Pagoda Road, here, at 11 am today.

It was attended by officials of INTERPOL and UNDCP, delegates from ASEAN, leaders of delegation from Australia, Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, Macau Special Administration Region, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam totalling 76. Leader of Myanmar delegation Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win was chosen as Meeting Chairman while Leader of Japanese delegation Mr Yasunori Orita and Leader of delegation of the Philippines Hon Ramon J Liwag were elected as Meeting Vice-Chairmen by those present.

Meeting Chairman Director-General of MPF Maj-Gen Soe Win made an opening speech. Adoption of the agenda, current situation with respect to regional and sub regional co-operation, implementation by State of the region of recommendation adopted by the Twenty-second Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific (Kuala Lumpur, 1998), work carried out by INTERPOL, work carried out for drug abuse control in the Pacific region, and smuggling of narcotic drugs from the West Asia owing to the reduction of production of heroin in the region were discussed at the meeting. The second day's session continues tomorrow. Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing hosted a dinner to leaders and delegation members who were attending the meeting at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel this evening.

24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific held

Countries suffering from high volumes of drug traffic must be vigilant against corruption in pursuit of drug-free ASEAN

Yangon, 14 Nov - A ceremony to open 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific jointly sponsored by United Nations Drug Control Programme and Myanmar and hosted by Myanmar for the first time was held at the Hotel Equatorial this morning. Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing made the opening speech.

Also present on the occasion were members of CCDAC ministers, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, deputy ministers, members of CCDAC, ambassadors, resident representatives of UN agencies, departmental heads, the delegate of ASEAN, delegates of South Pacific Island Countries Association, officials of INTERPOL and UNDCP, heads and members of Australia, Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special Administrative Region, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, local and foreign journalists, and observers.

He said: As the Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar and also in the capacity of the Minister for Home Affairs, it is a privilege to be afforded with the opportunity to deliver an opening address to this very important 24th Meeting of the Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies of the Asia-Pacific Region, organized by the UNDCP and hosted by the Union of Myanmar. The international community is now fully aware of the problem of narcotic drugs and the dangers that has been threatening the human society. The traffic of illicit drugs, transcending international borders, has taken its rightful place to become a major transnational crime.

As stated, the illicit trafficking of drugs has also become the major transnational crime committed in our region. The huge profits generated by the drug trade has triggered incentives to drug traffickers that they do not heed anymore even to the death penalties prescribed in national legislation's for drug crimes. Drug trafficking crimes have not only seriously undermined the economy, political and social fabrics, but also the stability of community peace and tranquillity and national security of country states.

In this connection, it is fitful that we welcome the initiative taken by all concerned member states and the United Nations in drafting the UN Convention against Transnational Crimes at Vienna, soon to be signed in December, 2000 at Palermo, Italy. It is apparent that the fight against drugs trafficking could neither be fought nor won by one country alone nor by leaving out one country. Drug traffickers take footholds in countries that lack or have weak anti-drug legislation's, irrelevant enforcement strategies and outdated interdiction tactics.

They would then take full advantage of these shortcomings to traffic drugs in and out of the country, thus affecting and creating a threat to neighboring countries. It is imperative that one country should not be left out but all countries should stand together based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperative spirit, to form a strong and united front. This is why we are gathered here today.

There is no question the UNDCP plays a key role in the combat against drugs. To this end, we have witnessed the enhanced and effective efforts of UNDCP, particularly during the tenure of UN Secretary-General Mr Koffi Anan and Deputy Secretary-General, Mr Pino Arlacchi. Drugs affect all human lives, thus, each and every one of us has an obligation and responsibility to fight against it. However, sad to say, it becomes blurred and out of focus when efforts of individual countries are viewed and tainted with political issues. It is very important that countries have a political will and a strong commitment to fight and eliminate the scourge of drugs. Myanmar has been embarking on a 15 Year Master Plan commencing 1999-2000 to totally eliminate drugs in the country 2014.

We are very much encouraged that ASEAN has set course on the same agenda as Myanmar on its ASEAN Vision 2020 by reducing the target date to Drug Free ASEAN 2015 at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting at Bangkok in July this year. Subsequently, last month in Bangkok, ASEAN and China agreed on a Drug Free ASEAN 2015 Plan of Action.

The Meeting here today is a clear testimony and indication of participating countries of their political will and commitment to cooperate with other countries in the fight against drugs in the region. In this connection, I am sad to say that it left us no choice but to assume that some responsible countries, which have decided to boycott the meeting for various reasons, do not harbor sincere intentions for cooperation with other countries and on the same time, have blatantly ignored an International Meeting organized by the UN. I am not in a position to say what their intentions are but whatever reasons they may have, we have a clear conscience to work together with whoever who wants to work with us and help us. To this end we have the doors wide open and stand ready to show our efforts, our achievements as well as our shortcomings and to welcome the sincere assistance and cooperation of the international community.

Myanmar has been showing her political will and commitment to work together particularly with neighboring countries in the region. Not only do we have bilateral agreements with Vietnam, the Philippines and the Russian Federation as well as a Tripartite Agreement with Laos and Thailand but also we are an active member of the 6 sub-regional countries MOU to control drugs with a balanced approach by implementing supply and demand reduction and law enforcement projects of the Sub-regional Action Plan. UNDCP has been assisting us with financial and technical support with funding from donor countries. Myanmar became a full-fledged member of ASEAN in July 1997 and the Prime Minister; Senior General Than Shwe briefed the ASEAN Summit on drug control endeavors of Myanmar. Mr Koffi Annan, US Secretary General, attending the Summit Meeting was impressed and subsequently dispatched an expert team in 1998 to draft a 10 year plan to eradicate poppy cultivation and production in the whole country.

UNDCP Executive Director Mr Pino Arlacchi also visited the border areas of Myanmar in the same year and sanctioned a few small-scale projects. I was informed that the UNDCP drafted 10 Year Plan for Myanmar was prepared in time to be submitted to the 1998 UN General Assembly Special Session on Narcotic Drugs. Sadly, for reasons not stated. UNDCP was not in a position to submit the Plan to the Special Session. However, I wish to express our gratitude to Mr Arlacchi for his keen interest and sincere efforts to help us.

As stated, Myanmar has been implementing the 15 Year Plan since 1999. I believe that the majority of the country representatives attending this meeting are much more oriented with drug trafficking and drug abuse while Myanmar has to deal with the problem of poppy cultivation and production also. The border areas that are engaged in poppy cultivation and production were once under the dominance of insurgents and due to this fact, these regions have been left out of the mainstream of the country, lagging behind in terms of development, depending there livelihood on the income from opium poppy. The government now has entered into peace agreements with the insurgent groups, opening up opportunities for all-round-development programmes in these regions. With the guidance of the Prime Minister himself, border area development projects were drawn up and a separate Ministry was established to take care of these problems in a holistic way.

The 15 Year Plan calls for the gradual elimination of poppy cultivation and production in these areas supplemented with demand elimination. Law enforcement, participation of the local inhabitants and international cooperation programmes. In this regard, I sincerely hope that we will have the understanding of the international community on the complexity of the drug problem and what we have gone through and our efforts at present to overcome this menace.

Of course, these changes cannot take place overnight. The distinguished delegates will understand and realize that it is easier said than done. Just when we are starting to see hope in the elimination of poppy cultivation and production with annual decreasing figures, the problem of stimulants has suddenly taken the stage. Researchers have discovered stimulants over a century ago for licit use but it has become to be an abuse problem in the region just a decade ago. Myanmar faced the problem starting only in 1996 when we made the first seizure of stimulants. Starting raw materials, precursor chemicals are not produced in Myanmar in addition to the lack of laboratory expertise and financing to produce these drugs.

Thus, it clearly indicates that foreign drug syndicates are exploiting the long, remote and porous border situation to produce these stimulants on the border area. We are sceptical that the problem of stimulants has been intentionally created when the glimmer of hope and possibility is at hand in the total eradication and production of opium within a few years.

In addition, the drug trend has been changing with the life styles of youth where freedom and personal rights to enjoy the pleasures of nightlife are permitted to stretch to the maximum and beyond limits. It is one of the reasons why it was rightfully predicted and identified at the UNDCP organized Shanghai International Expert Meeting on Stimulants in 1996, that stimulants abuse will be the major drug problem for the 21st century. We have a saying in Myanmar that if we know the illness, there is always a medicine to cure it. In other words, "if there is a will, there is a way".

It is a glaring fact that the world is facing a drug problem. Mobilizing the full awareness and participation of the public, every country should do their utmost to get rid of it. However, if we do not cure or take measures with the medicine called "international cooperation", the illness will be like a cancer spreading and eating away the social fabrics of the human society. There have been numerous crimes of enormous proportions that the evils of drugs have created, even undermining the peace and stability of country states. Money laundered from proceeds of drug trafficking has destroyed the economies of countries. HIV/AIDS epidemics are also offspring of drug abuse.

The dangers and threat of drugs are not contained and limited to one area, region or state and have no discrimination on developed or developing or undeveloped countries. This is the sole reason that the international community needs to stand together and cooperate to fight the menace of drugs. In conclusion, the 24th Meeting of HONLEA will be discussing practical issues and problems on law enforcement in the region to find ways and means on better cooperation between state governments and UNDCP. It will also review the implementation of decisions taken at the 22th HONLEA. I fully believe that participating countries including Myanmar will benefit a lot in the coming 4 days, from the discussions based on national experience and information sharing on illicit heroin trafficking and abuse, electronic crimes or cyber crimes affecting drug trafficking strategy, maritime drug trafficking and control of stimulants.

I wish to sincerely urge all delegates to discuss frankly and openly and to share experiences on a friendly atmosphere to find better ways and means for practical cooperation. I also urge UNDCP to assist us to realize our common goals in the region. I thank the participating countries and UNDCP for their support and decision providing the opportunity to Myanmar to host this HONLEA Meeting in Yangon. I thank each and every one of you who have contributed to make this meeting a success and I thank Your Excellencies and specially invited guests for taking out time from your busy schedules to grace this Opening Ceremony. .

He said: It gives me great pleasure to address this, the Twenty-fourth Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific, on behalf of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme and its Executive Director, Mr Pino Arlacchi. On his behalf, I would like to express UNDCP's gratitude to the Government of the Union of Myanmar for hosting the Asia/ Pacific HONLEA this year, and , to welcome you all to Yangon. Over the following four days you will have the opportunity to examine matters of considerable urgency.

They are matters of importance for the countries of the region and for many other countries around the world. This urgency is reflected in the topics identified in your provisional agenda. Global production of illicit opium has risen sharply in the last two years.

The principle contributor to this increase being Afghanistan, who doubled its production in 1999 compared with the previous year. With this doubling of production, supply has become much greater than the traditional " Western " and surrounding regional markets can absorb. We are starting to see the movement of " Golden Crescent " heroin to south east Asia region, adding to the availability of heroin derived from local production in countries of this region, and compounding the difficulties faced by law enforcement and social services to suppress the trafficking and abuse of this addictive scourge.

This situation merits the use of the word" urgent". Additionally as a region you face a growing threat from the manufacture and abuse of amphetamine type stimulants that pose as great a threat to your communities as heroin abuse. Last month in Bangkok Governments of ASEAN and China agreed to a Joint Regional Plan to Achieve a Drug-Free ASEAN by 2015. The ten ASEAN governments and the PeopleÕs Republic of China endorsed a plan aiming at eliminating or drastically reducing the problems of illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse in the region by the year 2015.

This decision has been supported by more than 30 governments and 15 International Organizations in a political declaration adopted by delegates to an International Congress held at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. In endorsing the Plan of Action, entitled ACCORD - ASEAN and China Cooperative Operations in Response to Dangerous Drugs, the ASEAN Governments and China have agreed to strengthen coordination of their efforts in four major areas of activity: Ñ to promote public awareness of the dangers of drugs and adequate responses within their societies; - to address drug abuse and related HIV problems among injecting drug users through improved data collection, preventive and treatment programmes and the sharing of information; - to attack illicit production and trafficking through the strengthening of law enforcement efforts and international cooperation and the development of up-to-date legislation and other control measures; and to eliminate illicit drug crops through alternative development programmes and related community participation.

Key elements of the Plan of Action are intended to give China and the ASEAN states as well as other governments and Organisations supporting the exercise full " ownership " of the process in pursuit of a Drug-Free ASEAN. These include target dates for specific actions and the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to measure the progress of all drug control activities in the region.

During a statement at the International Congress, UN Under-Secretary-General and ODCCP Executive Director Pino Arlacchi lauded the efforts to develop a Drug-Free ASEAN and pledged the full cooperation and support of his organization. International support will be crucial for the success of the Action Plan.

It is, therefore, particularly significant that, in the Political Declaration, the governments participating in the International Congress committed themselves to consider contributing financial support through the existing mechanisms of grants to the United Nations and ASEAN which would report every year on the funds invested in the execution of the plan. The highest profits in the drug market are generated not at the production end and not at the level of the retail sales to the addict, but rather at the stage of trafficking.

The traffickers will go to extreme measures to ensure these profits. In the eyes of the drug trafficker, a bribe to a law enforcement officer is a small price to pay for safe passage of the merchandise. Bribery is a form of corruption. It is highly contagious once it takes root in a given country. Corruption impedes development. Basic services become available only to those who have the money to buy them. The gap between rich and poor increases. In extreme cases, even an entire national economy is threatened when corruption permeates every level of society. ODCCP has launched a Global programme against Corruption aimed at providing participating governments the advice and assistance they need to set up effective anti-corruption institutions. It goes without saying that countries which suffer from high volumes of drug traffic must be especially vigilant against corruption.

Drug traffickers are looking for profit. That is their principal motive. The profits in many cases provide the cash needed for the purchase of arms by groups that seek to destabilize legitimate government. Asia is vulnerable to money laundering. Legislation and regulation in a number of countries are inadequate to protect their banking systems from criminal misuse. There are off-shore banking centres within this region that do not yet meet the acceptable international regulatory standards.

As I mentioned earlier, when we reflect upon the subject of drug trafficking we quickly arrive at issues like those I have just mentioned corruption, organised crime, money laundering, terrorism and threats to peace and security. When we look back over twenty four years of HONLEA meetings, initiated to respond to the threat posed by drug trafficking, we see the issues that successive meetings have addressed, grow and diversify. Important issues such as the prevention of diversion of precursor chemicals have been added. Even traditional problems must be re-examined in the light of today's globalised society. Yet one fact has not changed. The reason we meet here today, and why our colleagues have met similarly before us - the reason that national and international drug control exist " is ultimately the need to protect individual human beings from drug abuse. 24 years ago Asia was primarily associated with the production and trafficking of illicit drugs. There was little talk of drug abuse itself of demand.

That was seen as a problem of western countries. In sum, drug trafficking and abuse are now everyone's problem. This was the spirit which prevailed at the 1998 Special Session of the UN General Assembly on drugs. This high degree of consensus enabled the Special Session to take decisions on a wide range of drug related issues. Even more important, targets were established and deadlines were set. The situation the Asia/Pacific region faces underlines the importance of cooperation. As we look to the future, it is encouraging to see the increase in cooperative ventures.

The work being carried out within the Asean context, the Six Country MOU agreement of the Governments of the Mekong Region, the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between countries of the region through signed agreements of commitment, plus of course the positive and practical approach taken by the countries of the Asia and Pacific region. ODCCP is pleased to be associated with all these initiatives.

I will finish by taking the opportunity inform you of an event that will take place next month in Palermo, Italy over 12 - 15 December, that will have a significant, and positive impact upon your efforts as law enforcement officers. This new international instrument has two over-arching goals. It will enhance international cooperation by providing the framework to overcome differences among legal systems, which in the past have blocked mutual assistance. And second, it will set the standards that domestic legislation must meet to effectively combat organized crime.

I return to my opening words, the work of this HONLEA over the next four days is very important, both for your countries and the rest of the world. The situation you face is difficult. It is also complex. There are no easy solutions.

The starting point for finding solutions is precisely the type of practical consultation and cooperation that has been the basis for the work of successive HONLEA's over the past years. Minister Col Tin Hlaing and Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific then had photo taken.

Special Meeting 3/2000 of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs

Government doing continuous coordination work with national race leaders in rooting out narcotic drugs

Yangon, 13 Nov - Special Meeting 3/2000 of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs this evening with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present at the meeting were member of the Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, deputy ministers, the Deputy Attorney-General, senior military officers, CCDAC members, the director-general of State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and members of work committees.

Secretary-1 said that Myanmar is laying down and implementing comprehensive programmes to eradicate narcotic drugs. But one-sided accusations concerning narcotic drugs against Myanmar never lessens; and some countries are hatching plots designed to discredit Myanmar among the international community.

In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the 15-year narcotic eradication plan has been laid down in the nation; and efforts are being made to root out narcotic drugs according to the plans. Continuous coordination work is being done with national race leaders to root out drugs. The high-level officials of the State have toured border areas and looked into the requirements of cultivating substitute crops. National race leaders are giving special attention to the progress of their regions and economic development and attempting to root out the drug problem in a designated time.

At present, the success achieved in cultivating substitute crops in border areas can be witnessed. Buckwheat and lychee cultivation, terrace paddy cultivation and herbal plant cultivation have already started at the border areas. The building of irrigation facilities in the areas is gaining momentum at present. Farming is being conducted on a commercial scale and mineral mining and smelting is under way. Due to the implementation of hydel power projects and road and bridge projects, industries are developing in the regions. It can be firmly assessed that narcotic drugs can be rooted out within the designated period as the border areas are making profress in farming, industrial production and economic sectors. He said Myanmar conducts opium yield survey yearly in cooperation with the US and the survey showed decrease of opium yield yearly. As opium cultivation and production was on the decrease, there were accusations about production of Amphetamine, he said.

There are no Amphetamine tablet users and chemicals for production. Basic raw chemicals used in production of Amphetamine tablet came from border areas and it can clearly be seen that the tablets were brought back to other side through the border areas. He spoke of the need to prevent chemicals and stimulant tablets from carrying and distributing cross borders instead of accusing only Myanmar of producing narcotic drugs. In doing so, effective measures can be undertaken in production, distribution and drug abuse in all sectors.

Today, narcotic drug problems and other trans-border crimes have increased due to development of technology. Therefore, the United Nations drafted Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes, he said. Myanmar hosted the 4th International Heroin Conference and the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Organized Crime in 1999. Moreover, efforts for total eradication of narcotic drug in the region are being made in cooperation with ASEAN countries, he added. He spoke of the need for Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control to accelerate its momentum of 15 year narcotic drug eradication project in cooperation with international community for success in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

The Secretary-1 also spoke of the need to respond one-sided accusations on narcotic drugs about Myanmar through sound and correct data, while endeavouring for eradication of narcotic drug with added momentum.

Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing explained matters related to measures taken for drug abuse control, participation of Myanmar Anti-Narcotic Association in the drug abuse control measures, arrangements for development of border areas made by Border Areas Development Association and cooperation with international organizations. Secretary of CCDAC Police Maj-Gen Soe Win reported on progress of work in implementing the decisions of meeting No 2/2000.

Then, those present discussed release of news about drug control measures, border area development tasks being done in connection with drug abuse control measures, treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts, cultivation of buckwheat and distribution of strains for cultivation of paddy, tea and perennial crops. Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung recounted his experiences related to the meeting on drug free ASEAN region in 2015 held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 11 to 14 October.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said that in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, systematic plans for elimination of narcotic drugs have been laid down and implemented in Myanmar. So ministries concerned need to actively participate in implementing these plans. It is necessary to render assistance to tasks related to cultivation of poppy-substitute crops, livestock breeding and agriculture, and regional development tasks.

Yangon, 15 Nov - Kawthoung District Court sentenced three to 21 years imprisonment each on 31 October for smuggling narcotic drugs into the country under Section 20 (b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The case was that on 1 May, 2000, personnel of regional intelligence unit and Kawthoung special anti-drug squad, acting on tip-off, stopped KT-136 trawler with Maung Gyi at the wheel, near Mwaydaw checkpoint in Kawthoung Township. The personnel seized 39 tins of cotcodyl brand narcotic drug syrup weighing 3.9 litres smuggled in from the other country.

The drugs were hidden among the foodstuff brought in by merchant Ma Gyida (a) Mrs Mukda and Aung Naing. Kawthoung Police Station booked Ma Gyida (a) Mrs Mukda, daughter of U Aw Rap, living at 180/82, Fanfala Ward, Ranong, Thailand, Aung Naing, son of U Kyi Taing, living at 176, Dana Lane, Oloke East Ward, Dawei, and Maung Gyi, son of U Myint Aung, living at 332, Padauk Shwewah Ward, Kawthoung, under Sections 15/19 (a)/20 (b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

YANGON, 12 Nov - A drug enforcement officer of United Nations Drug Control Programme and delegates from Japan and People's Republic of China arrived here by air today to attend 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific (HONLEA). They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by MPF officials.

Yangon, 8 Nov - The Loikaw District Court handed down a sentence of 25 years' imprisonment on a man for trafficking stimulant tablets on 29 September this year. A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, at 7.15 pm on 24 April 2000, searched the house of Than Win and seized 6,769 stimulant tablets. The Dimawhso Police Station filed Than Win, 34, son of U Chit Htwe, of Konthaya Village, Dimawhso Township, under section 15/19(A)/20(A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The Loikaw District Court heard the case and sentenced him to 25 years' imprisonment under section 20 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Yangon, 7 Nov - A ceremony to open Training on Current Trend in Drug Abuse Management organized by Prevention and Treatment of Drug Addiction Project of Health Department was held at the meeting hall of Drug Addict Treatment and Research Department of Psychiatrist Hospital this morning. It was attended by Deputy Director-General (Public Health) Dr Soe Aung of Health Department, Ministry of Health, Director (International Relations) Police Col Sit Aye of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, Medical Superintendent Dr Toe Aung of Psychiatrist Hospital in Yangon, Project Manager Dr Ba Thaung of Drug Addict Treatment and Research Department, Professor Dr Sao Sai Lone of Psychiatry Department, departmental officials and trainees. Deputy Director-General Dr Soe Aung and Police Col Sit Aye made speeches. A total of 40 psychiatrists are attending the training course that will last till 9 November.

Yangon, 6 Nov - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and local Police Force searched Daw Tu's house at Wegyi Myaukkan Village in Phyu Township at 6.30 pm on 18 May 2000 and found 3.43 kilos of marijuana and arrested Daw Tu and her accomplice Khin Maung Win. Action was taken against Daw Tu, 45, of Wegyi Myaukkan Village and Khin Maung Win, 24, of Mon Village in Kyaukgyi Township in accord with Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

The Toungoo District Court handed down twelve years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A), seventeen years' imprisonment under Section 20 (A) and four years imprisonment under Section 15 on Daw Tu to serve separately and sixteen years' imprisonment under Section 20 (A)/21 on Khin Maung Win on 10 October 2000.

YANGON, 1 Nov - The Gangaw District Court punished a woman for trafficking Phensedyl, giving her imprisonment on 11 August this year.

A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and MPF, acting on information, at Yaymyetni Village, Gangaw Township, at 1.30 pm on 13 December 1998, searched a truck (Hsa/ 8289) and arrested Ma Hla Htay together with 282 bottles of Phensedyl weighing 28.2 litres concealed in a maize-bag. The Kalay Township Police Station filed Ma Hla Htay, 37, daughter of U Sein Aung, Taungse Village, Kalay Township, under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

The Gangaw District Court heard the case and sentenced her to 25 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.