Methamphetamine trafficking surges from ‘Golden Triangle’ region
Al JazeeraJUN 2
UN: Record Meth Seizures Amid Evolving Trafficking in the Golden Triangle
Above: Members of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) patrolling in Lashio in Myanmar's northern Shan state on April 9, 2025. Image copyright: STR/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
To combat the growing synthetic drug trade, policing must go beyond arrests and seizures. What’s needed is real frontline cooperation — sharing intelligence, running joint operations, and coordinating swiftly across borders. Border liaison offices are making a difference, but they can’t succeed without strong political backing. Transnational crime moves fast — and without deeper collaboration, it will stay ahead.
Narrative B
Simply seizing drugs will never solve the underlying problem, as synthetic drugs can be produced infinitely. The focus must shift to dismantling the business model of organized crime by targeting their banking operations, chemical supply chains, and money laundering activities. Current enforcement strategies are failing as drug production continues to increase despite record seizures.