Myanmar drafting new policy for tacking illegal drug scourge

03 October 2016
Myanmar drafting new policy for tacking illegal drug scourge
Drug users in Kachin State. Photo: IRIN

Myanmar is drafting a new policy for controlling drug as part of its efforts to solve drug problem in addition to crime suppression, local official media report. 
First Vice President U Myint Swe stressed the need for economic, health and development sectors to be included in compiling the strategy for solving the drug problem, according to a report on October 2. 
With developing technology, criminals are using new modus operandi to commit crime, terror and violence, he said, calling on the police force at all levels to sustainably upgrade their ability to deal with the problems systematically. 
Moreover, he called for upgrading the police force's ability to keep with international standard. 
Under the aegis of UN organizations such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNODC, ICRC and OHCHER, workshops are being conducted, the report added. 
Meanwhile, Myanmar and the UN Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) are cooperating on anti-terrorism with the UN agency helping Myanmar in capacity building in prevention against terrorist acts. 
Myanmar burned over 56 million US dollars worth of seized narcotic drugs across the country including Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and Taunggyi in June. 
The country has extended its drug elimination plan from 2014-2015 to 2018-2019 to fight against drug.
Courtesy of Global Times