Crystal Meth Worth US$29 Million Seized in Myanmar

Over 1,700 kilograms of crystal meth, worth about US$29 million was seized by the Myanmar authorities in a multi-state operation. Its deemed as the biggest haul of 2019. Myanmar is believed to be the world's largest methamphetamine producer.

Sources say the high-grade crystal meth is smuggled out of the country through sophisticated networks to Japan, South Korea and Australia. Over the past couple of months, authorities have been nabbing larger hauls.

This week, the Myanmar Navy stopped a boat with seven people on board off the coast of Kawthaung Township. They discovered 1,737 kg of ice. The National Drug Control Department used information from a satellite phone, a GPS navigator and three mobile phones to raid the house in Yangon. They arrested the house owner's wife and took along seven bank books. A truck driver was also arrested for allegedly transporting the drugs overland. However, the National Drug Control Department said the drugs owner is still on the run.

Myanmar has a multi-billion dollar drug industry; its eastern Shan state is the hub of production, where a network of local armed groups link up with transnational trafficking gangs.