Thailand, Myanmar Burn More Than $2 Billion in Seized Drugs

Authorities in Myanmar and Thailand say they destroyed more than $2 billion in seized illegal drugs Friday to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

In Bangkok and in Thailand’s Ayutthaya province to the north, government officials incinerated 25 tons of confiscated drugs, including methamphetamine, “ice,” ecstasy, cocaine and heroin.

National Police Lieutenant General Wisanu Prasarthong-osoth told the Reuters news agency drug dealers have not let the COVID-19 lockdown slow them down. He said they have resorted to sending drugs through the mail and other parcel delivery services.

In Myanmar’s capital, Yangon, the national police force burned $144 million worth of seized drugs. Confiscated drug stockpiles were also destroyed in Mandalay, Lashio and the Shan State capital, Taunggyi.

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