legacy of colonial past, which was further aggravated after independence when the production and trafficking

of drugs became linked with internal insurgency problem. Since independence was regained, Myanmar

has been relentlessly waging a determined war against the menace of narcotic drugs as a matter of national

responsibility.

Fully aware of the political, economic and social dimensions of the problem, Myanmar has adopted an

integrated approach covering the whole range of drug control activities crop substitution, education and mass

media information.

The new integrated approach to eradicate poppy plantation is aimed at winning over the understanding

and cooperation of communities concerned in the eradication efforts. Projects of transportation, water

supply and crop substitution are being undertaken in poppy-growing areas under short-term and long-term

plans. The inhabitants of those areas have come to realize and appreciate the efforts of the government.

This augurs well for the successful implementation of present and future poppy eradication projects.

Myanmar fully recognizes the importance of cooperative measures at sub-regional, regional and

international levels in combating illicit production of, demand for and trafficking in narcotic drugs and

psychotropic substances.

This is reflected in its active cooperation in drug control activities with the People’s Republic of China and

Thailand. Myanmar also signed bilateral agreements with India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Russian

Federation, Laos and the Philippines to control drug trafficking and abuse.

Myanmar acceded to the international drug-control treaties and faithfully complies with their provisions and

the plans of actions adopted by the United Nations.

The Union of Myanmar is a party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and has already acceded

to the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotrophic Substance and to the

1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

Sincere efforts of the Government of Myanmar have resulted in remarkable achievements in its

anti-narcotic endeavours.

Mongla region in eastern Shan State, an area right in the middle of poppy-growing region, was declared as an

Opium Free Zone.

pledges to continue its fullest cooperation with the international community in eradicating narcotic drugs off the face of the earth.