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Southeast Asia and the Golden Triangle's Heroin Trade: Threat and Response

NCJ Number
182612
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: April-June 2000 Pages: 89-106
Author(s)
Peter Chalk
Editor(s)
Bruce Hoffman
Date Published
2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia lies at the heart of the global heroin trade, accounting for roughly 60 percent of all illicit opium production worldwide.
Abstract
Drugs from this part of the world have had an insidious, corrosive, far-reaching, and at times highly destabilizing impact. In particular, they have been linked to an explosion of AIDS, social instability, lack of economic performance, official corruption, and organized crime. These effects have been felt, in one form or another, throughout Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, and Northeast Asia. Dealing with the threat posed by the Golden Triangle's heroin trade will require a fully inclusive strategy that emphasizes both supply disruption and demand reduction. While certain Southeast Asian states have pledged to intensify the scope and effectiveness of their drug policies, official apathy is widespread and continues to mitigate against effective counter-measures. Money laundering centers of Southeast Asian drug cartels are discussed. 61 notes