Drug Production, Trafficking and Trade in Asia and Pacific Island Countries

• NCJ Number: 217608
• Journal: Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 25 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2006 Pages: 647-650
• Author(s): Gary Reid; Madonna L. Devaney; Simon Baldwin
• Date Published: November 2006
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research Paper
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This article analyzed the illicit drug production, trafficking, and transit routes in the Asia Pacific region.

Abstract

The analysis indicated that in the Asia Pacific region, Myanmar was the main producer of opium, heroin, and amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). Research shows that the expansion of ATS production in the Asia Pacific region is causing concern. China has recently become a major producer of methamphetamines, but other nations in this region continue to be key methamphetamine producers as well. The cultivation of marijuana was found throughout most of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Cambodia and the Philippines. The drug trafficking and transit routes in the Asia Pacific region were found to be busy and dynamic (changing). The Pacific area is mainly used as a trans-shipment point for illicit drugs entering other countries in the region. Drug traffickers have been known to frequently change routes and tactics to avoid detection and to exploit vulnerable points along international borders. Given the scope and breadth of the illicit drug production and trafficking in the Asia-Pacific region, efforts at eradication in the region will remain a major challenge. Data for the situational analysis was drawn from many sources, including over 800 published and unpublished studies and information from more than 200 key informants and regional institutions. Research literature reviewed was identified through key word searches in PubMed, Medline, and PsychInfo. Published and unpublished reports were also drawn from Web site searches of the Central Intelligence Agency, the United States State Department, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, and the International Narcotics Control Board. Future research in this area should focus on monitoring the potential social, economic, and political problems associated with the drug trade in the Asia Pacific region. References