Myanmar, Thailand hold 26th drug control talks

The 26th Myanmar-Thailand Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation took place in Taunggyi yesterday.

Chief of Myanmar Police Force (MPF) Police Lt-Gen Win Zaw Moe, Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, said the special operations are being conducted after reviewing the drug seizures and changing transportation routes. A total of 40 special operations were conducted between 2013 and 2024, and a new operation was also launched starting from 1 May this year.

It is essential to prioritize the control of precursor chemicals to reduce drug production. It is necessary to enhance the bilateral efforts in the control of precursor chemicals. To prevent precursor chemicals and related materials used in drug manufacturing from reaching drug production areas, cooperation will be strengthened with neighbouring countries, including Thailand.

The strict preventive operations are being carried out along the border between the two countries, while conducting awareness programmes for the younger generation is also an important aspect. He expressed gratitude to the Thai government for assisting in projects as per the “MoU on Sustainable Alternative Development and Social Development Cooperation” signed by the two countries on 10 February 2022.

Only through the successful implementation of these projects will the livelihoods of ethnic communities in opium-cultivating areas improve, leading to a decline in opium cultivation. The alternative development project in Naungtaya Town, Southern Shan State, implemented in cooperation with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation of Thailand, has achieved success.

He pledged to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in line with “Two Nations, One Vision – Collaborating for Brighter Tomorrows”.

Police Lt-Gen Phanurat Lukboon of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) of Thailand also remarked.

A total of 14 Myanmar delegates, led by Police Lt-Gen Win Zaw Moe, and 11 delegates led by Pol Lt Gen Phanurat Lukboon attended the meeting, and the representatives from both sides discussed the current drug situation between the two countries and ongoing joint efforts in drug suppression, and potential areas for future cooperation. Topics also included drug seizure, the control of precursor chemicals, drug inspection and analysis, collaboration on reducing drug abuse, the implementation of alternative development projects, and the chairmanship of the 27th meeting in Thailand.

MNA/KTZH

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