President U Win Myint has established an Anti-Narcotics Special Squad, aimed at tackling the issue of drug use and drug trafficking in the country. Speaking on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, U Win Myint said the squad would target those involved in planting opium poppy, manufacturing synthetic drugs and trafficking illicit drugs. “We’ll carry out more effective and stronger changes by paving the way for local people and civil society groups to participate by revising the performance of these organizations,” he said. Drugs are a huge issue in Myanmar; it is the world’s second largest producer of opium, behind Afghanistan, and one of Southeast Asia’s largest methamphetamine producers. Many seizures made in the region in recent years can be traced back to Myanmar, especially Shan State. In his speech, U Win Myint called on the public to contribute to tackling the drugs issue, saying it was “destroying our country’s dignity and future and the potential of our youth”. Win Myint also said that the government would increase cooperation with neighbouring countries and educate the public in cooperation with ministries and state and regional agencies.