What has been the effect of opium warlord Khun Sas surrender on Burmas heroin production?
That is why our national drug strategy must be multi-lateral, coherent and long-term to address this as a global threat. Cooperating nations, the UNDCP, and other organizations must work together in all source areas simultaneously to minimize this kind of offset reaction. The heroin threat is a complex issue. The U.S. has only 2% of the world’s addicts, consuming probably 10 metric tons of the 380 metric tons available in the world. Europe may consume 30 metric tons, while China may have over 1 million addicts and Pakistan 3 million addicts. U.S. heroin users can afford to pay more than addicts in many other countries. That’s why traffickers are attracted to the U.S. market. Burma’s heroin production has increased 26% over the last three years, and Afghanistan’s production has increased over 30% during this time frame. Yet it appears the supply of heroin (and opium) far exceeds the global demand.
