UNODC report details evolving synthetic drug markets in Asia

A UNODC report highlights the evolving and complex nature of synthetic drug markets across South and Southeast Asia. In South Asia, distinct patterns have emerged in Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Nepal faces significant illicit circulation of controlled pharmaceuticals such as tramadol and benzodiazepines, while Bangladesh has seen a rise in Yaba and amphetamine-type stimulant seizures. In Sri Lanka, methamphetamine has become a primary synthetic drug, accounting for over 35 percent of drug-related arrests.

In the Mekong region, Myanmar serves as a central hub for a massive methamphetamine economy, particularly originating from Shan State. While production is concentrated in certain areas, countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam act as critical nodes for the storage, movement, and export of these drugs. The report describes the Mekong market as a layered, global illicit business with adaptable supply chains that impact downstream markets, including Australia and New Zealand.