Myanmar torches $321 mln narcotics haul in Yangon anti-drugs ceremony

Myanmar Destroys Seized Narcotics

Myanmar authorities burned seized narcotics and precursor chemicals worth more than US$321 million in Yangon on Friday, marking the 39th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Footage shows police laying out piles of confiscated drugs and illegal substances before guiding visitors through displays warning of the dangers of narcotics.

The ceremony ended with officials setting fire to tonnes of seized drugs, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky.

Officials Highlight Anti-Drug Efforts

“The total value of the drugs that will be burned today is 1.176 trillion Myanmar kyats, or 321.32 million US dollars,” Yangon Region Police Chief Ko Ko Lwin said in his address.

Authorities said similar destruction events were held in Mandalay, where drugs worth about US$113.67 million were destroyed, and in Taunggyi, where narcotics valued at around US$168.76 million were incinerated.

Nationwide, more than US$600 million worth of seized drugs were destroyed during this year’s observance.

Enforcement Campaign Continues

Myanmar authorities said they had carried out 41 nationwide anti-drug operations between 2013 and 2026. They added that Operation 42/26, targeting drug production networks and precursor chemicals, was still under way after expanded enforcement efforts launched in 2025.

According to official figures, joint operations by the Myanmar Armed Forces, the Myanmar Police Force and partner agencies in 2025 led to 5,370 drug-related cases, 7,562 arrests and the seizure of narcotics and related materials valued at more than 1.76 trillion Myanmar kyats, around US$838 million.

Article by Viory