Southeast Asia’s border region between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar is known as the “Golden Triangle.” The area is renowned for being one of the world’s major hubs for the production of illegal drugs. The area is particularly well-known for producing and distributing heroin and opium. The drug trade has led to issues both domestically and abroad.

Geographical location of the Golden Triangle

Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle is situated along the Mekong River. It crosses three nations’ boundaries. The region is centered on Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. One important route for communication and drug trafficking in the area is the Mekong River. The neighboring mountainous regions offer perfect growing and manufacturing conditions for drugs.

Production and Trade of Drugs

Opium production is the Golden Triangle’s main source of notoriety. In this area, opium is processed to make heroin. At one point, over 70% of the opium produced worldwide came from this area. The Golden Triangle’s significance has diminished, though, as Afghanistan is now the world’s top producer of opium. It is still thought to provide a significant amount of the opium produced worldwide, nevertheless.

There are a number of reasons behind this business. First, a key motivator in this industry is the impact of guerillas and elite organizations. Second, the law and order situation is weak since the government does not have enough control over the area. People in the area are also compelled to grow opium since they are impoverished and have no other means of support. Armed organizations use the proceeds from the production and sale of drugs to buy weapons and increase their power.

Impact on the World

Beyond Asia, the Golden Triangle produces drugs that are transported to South Asia and Australia. Drug trafficking profits fuel worldwide criminal networks and terrorist operations, which seriously jeopardize world peace and security.

Impact on Bangladesh

Because of its closeness to the Golden Triangle, Bangladesh is also suffering from the effects of this drug traffic. In particular, a large amount of Yaba is crossing the border from Myanmar into Bangladesh. Younger people are using drugs more frequently because of Yaba’s easy accessibility, which is eroding family and social bonds. Law enforcement organizations are also constantly confronted with difficulties in combating this substance.

In terms of drug production and trafficking, the Golden Triangle is a significant global issue. It has detrimental effects that are felt both locally and internationally. To address this issue, cooperation is required on a local, regional, and global scale. 

Stopping the drug trade requires cooperation from the government, law enforcement, and the general people. By increasing knowledge and establishing alternate sources of income, this issue can be resolved gradually.

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