Asia’s Golden Triangle was once the opium capital of the world. Now the drug of choice is meth

Soldiers in Thailand’s Golden Triangle, working under strict discipline, endure grueling missions to combat methamphetamine trafficking. Lieutenant Ketsopon Nopsiri highlights the need for patience as Thai forces wait for intel and then act swiftly to neutralize smugglers who arrive hours later. The UNODC report reveals a significant rise in seized meth, nearing 130 tons in 2024—a surge that underscores the growing challenge of this illegal drug trade. Meanwhile, despite increased law enforcement efforts, production levels remain alarmingly high, raising concerns about ongoing challenges in this critical region.