March Synthetic Drugs in East and South-East Asia. Trends and Patterns of Amphetamine-type Stimulants and New Psychoactive Substances

Transcription

1 Synthetic Drugs in East and South-East Asia Global SMART Programme March 219 Trends and Patterns of Amphetamine-type Stimulants and New Psychoactive Substances

2 Acknowledgements This report was prepared by the Research and Trend Analysis Branch, Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, under the supervision of Ms. Angela Me, Chief of the Research and Trend Analysis Branch, and Mr. Justice Tettey, Chief of Laboratory and Scientific Section. Core team Research and drafting Martin Raithelhuber Inshik Sim Tun Nay Soe Graphic design and layout Akara Umapornsakula Magali Lapouge Administrative support Jatupat Buasipreeda The present report also benefited from the expertise and valuable contributions of UNODC colleagues in the Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This publication was made possible by the generous contribution of the Governments of Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. DISCLAIMERS This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNODC, Member States or contributory organizations, and nor does it imply any endorsement. This document has not been formerly edited. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Included in this assessment are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Lao People s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The regional overview section includes data from Macau, China, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan Province of China.

3 Synthetic Drugs in East and South-East Asia Trends and Patterns of Amphetamine-type Stimulants and New Psychoactive Substances A Report from the Global SMART Programme March 219 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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5 Contents General Abbreviations...i List of Figures, Maps and Tables...iii Regional trends: East and South-East Asia...1 Summary of major trends and emerging concerns...1 Overview of the methamphetamine market Overview of the ecstasy market...11 Overview of the new psychoactive substances (NPS) market...12 Brunei Darussalam...17 Cambodia...21 China...25 Indonesia...31 Japan...35 Lao PDR...39 Malaysia...43 Myanmar...47 Philippines...51 Republic of Korea...55 Singapore...61 Thailand...65 Viet Nam...71

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7 General Abbreviations ARQ ATS BNN CCDAC CNB DAINAP DDB EWA HONLEA IDS INCB KCS Lao PDR LCDC MHLW NACD NADA NNCC NPA NPS ONCB PDEA RMP SMART SMCC SODC SPO UNODC Annual report questionnaire Amphetamine-type stimulants National Narcotics Board (Indonesia) Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (Myanmar) Central Narcotics Bureau (Singapore) Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific Dangerous Drugs Board (Philippines) UNODC Early Warning Advisory on New Psychoactive Substances Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (Asia and the Pacific) Individual Drug Seizures International Narcotics Control Board Korean Customs Service Lao People s Democratic Republic Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) National Authority for Combating Drugs (Cambodia) National Anti-Drugs Agency (Malaysia) National Narcotics Control Commission (China) National Police Agency (Japan) New Psychoactive Substances Office of the Narcotics Control Board (Thailand) Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Royal Malaysia Police Synthetics Monitoring: Analyses, Reporting and Trends Safe Mekong Coordination Center Standing Office on Drugs and Crime (Viet Nam) Supreme Prosecutors Office (Republic of Korea) United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime i

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9 List of Figures, Maps and Tables Figures Regional trends: East and South-East Asia Figure 1. Potential opium production in Myanmar, Figure 2. Seizures of methamphetamine in East and South-East Asia, * Figure 3. Proportion of methamphetamine related treatment admissions among all treatment admissions, 217 Figure 4. Proportion of females among persons admitted to treatment centers for methamphetamine in selected countries in East and South-East Asia, 217 Figure 5. Seizures of methamphetamine tablets in the East and South-East Asia by country, * Figure 6. Typical retail price of methamphetamine tablet per tablet for selected countries in East and South- East Asia, 214 and latest year available Figure 7. Seizures of crystalline methamphetamine in the East and South-East Asia by sub-region, * Figure 8. Number of methamphetamine manufacturing facilities dismantled in East and South-East Asia, * Figure 9. Photos of methamphetamine production facilities dismantled in Kutkai, North Shan, Myanmar Figure 1. Seizures of methamphetamine in China and Southeast Asia, * Figure 11. Photos of major teabag packages found in East, South-East Asia and Oceania Figure 12. Amounts and the number of cases of pseudoephedrine seizures in Myanmar, Figure 13. Seizures of sodium cyanide in Thailand and Myanmar, Figure 14. Seizures of ecstasy in East and South-East Asia, * Figure 15. Appearance of NPS in East and South-East Asia by substance group, * Figure 16. Proportion of NPS in East and South-East Asia by pharmacological effect, * Figure 17. Seizures of ketamine in East and South-East Asia by sub-region, * Brunei Darussalam Figure 1. Number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in Brunei Darussalam by drug type, Figure 2. Number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in Brunei Darussalam by age group, 218 Cambodia Figure 1. Number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in Cambodia, * Figure 2. Drug treatment centre admissions in Cambodia by age group, 217 Figure 3. Number of drug-related arrests* and cases in Cambodia, Figure 4. Retail prices of methamphetamine tablet in Cambodia in USD, Figure 5. Retail prices of crystalline methamphetamine in Cambodia in USD, China Figure 1. Proportion of registered drug users by type of drug used in China, * Figure 2. Number of people registered for using synthetic drug in China, Figure 3. Proportion of newly registered drug users by type in China, 217 Figure 4. Number of illicit synthetic drug manufacturing facilities dismantled in China, * Figure 5. Types of NPS identified by the NPS Monitoring Programme of China, 217 Figure 6. Top 1 synthetic opioids identified by the NPS Monitoring Programme of China, 217 Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) Figure 1. The number of people who use methamphetamine, ketamine, and heroin in Hong Kong, China, * iii

10 Indonesia Figure 1. Estimated number of people who used drugs at least once in 217 and prevalence in Indonesia aged between 1-59 years-old by selected drug type Figure 2. Methamphetamine-related arrests in Indonesia, Figure 3. Number of illicit amphetaminetype stimulants manufacturing facilities dismantled in Indonesia, * Figure 4. Top 1 NPS identified in seized materials* analysed in Indonesia, 217 Figure 5. Total number of NPS cases and amounts seized in Indonesia, Japan Figure 1. Estimated number of people who have used drugs once in their lifetime in Japan, 215 and 217 Figure 2. Number of drug-related consultations at health centres in Japan, * Figure 3. Number of drug-related arrests by the National Police Agency of Japan, Figure 4. Proportion of embarkation points of methamphetamine trafficking to Japan by number, Figure 5. Seizures of methamphetamine by mode of trafficking in Japan, Figure 6. Proportion of NPS reported by Japan by substance group, * Figure 7. Number of cases and arrestees related to NPS in Japan, * Lao PDR Figure 1. Number of cases and arrests for drug-related offences in Lao PDR, Figure 2. Seizures of unspecified chemicals, Malaysia Figure 1. Number of people brought into formal contact with authorities for drug use in Malaysia by drug type, Figure 2. People who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in Malaysia by age group, 217 Figure 3. Number of illicit drug manufacturing facilities dismantled in Malaysia by drug type, * Figure 4. Number of methamphetamine tablet related cases and seizures, * Figure 5. Number of crystalline methamphetamine related cases and seizures, * Myanmar Figure 1. Number of people admitted to drug treatment centres in Myanmar by drug type, Figure 2. Proportion of persons admitted to drug treatment centres in Myanmar by age group, 217 Figure 3. Drug related arrests and number of cases, Philippines Figure 1. Proportions of crystalline methamphetamine related treatment admissions among all treatment admissions, Figure 2. Methamphetamine related treatment admissions by gender, Figure 3. Proportions of drug treatment admissions in the Philippines by age group, 217 Figure 4. Number of drug-related arrests in the Philippines by drug type, * Republic of Korea Figure 1. Number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in the Republic of Korea by drug type, Figure 2. Seizures of crystalline methamphetaminein the Republic of Korea, Figure 3. Number of people brought into formal contact with authorities for supplying drugs in the Republic of Korea by drug type, Figure 4. Proportions of embarkation points for crystalline methamphetamine seized in the Republic of Korea, Figure 5. Number of blocked and deleted websites for circulating illicit drugs in the Republic of Korea, Figure 6. Proportions of NPS identified in the Republic of Korea by substance type, * iv

11 Singapore Figure 1. Trends in people who use methamphetamine or heroin brought into formal contact with authorities, Figure 2. People who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities for the first time by drug type, 217 Figure 3. Number of NPS identified from drug samples analysed by the Health Sciences Authority in Singapore by substance group * Figure 4. Top 1 NPS identified in Singapore by substance, 217 Figure 5. Top 1 NPS identified in Singapore by substance, 218* Thailand Figure 1. Number of drug-related cases and arrests, Figure 2. Seizures of methamphetamine tablet and crystalline methamphetamine in Thailand, Viet Nam Figure 1. Number of registered drug users in Viet Nam, * Figure 2. Registered drug users in Viet Nam by drug type, 218* Figure 3. Types of drugs used by newly registered drug users, * Figure 4. Registered drug users in Viet Nam by age group (percentage), 218* Figure 5. Number of drug-related cases and arrests in Viet Nam, * Figure 6. Synthetic NPS* identified in Viet Nam by substance group, ** Tables Regional trends: East and South-East Asia Table 1. Results of methamphetamine samples analyses to identify synthesis route in China, * Table 2. Synthetic opioids identified in East and South-East Asia, Brunei Darussalam Table 1. Trend in use of selected drugs in Brunei Darussalam, * Table 2. Number of people who use drugs receiving treatment by gender and selected drug types, Table 3. Seizures of selected drugs in Brunei Darussalam, Table 4. Retail prices (USD) of selected illicit drugs in Brunei Darussalam in BND (USD), 218 Cambodia Table 1. Trend in use of selected drugs in Cambodia, * Table 2. Drug treatment centre admissions in Cambodia by drug type and gender, 217 Table 3. Seizures of selected drugs in Cambodia, Table 4. Typical purities of selected drugs in Cambodia (percentage), China Table 1. Seizures of selected drugs in China, * Table 2. Retail prices of selected drugs in China in USD, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) Table 1. Seizures of selected drugs in Hong Kong, China, Table 2. Retail prices of selected drugs in Hong Kong, China, in USD, * Indonesia Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Indonesia, v

12 Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs in Indonesia, * Table 3. Retail prices of selected drugs in Indonesia in USD, Table 4. Typical purities of crystalline methamphetamine in Indonesia, (Percentage) Table 5. Seizures of selected NPS by substance in Indonesia, (Grams) Japan Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Japan, Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs in Japan, * Table 3. Retail prices of selected drugs in Japan in USD, Lao PDR Table 1. Trend in use of selected drugs in Lao PDR, * Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs and chemicals in Lao PDR, Table 3. Average wholesale or retail prices of selected drugs in Lao PDR, 217 Malaysia Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Malaysia, * Table 2. Drug treatment admissions by drug type and gender in Malaysia, 217 Table 3. Seizures of selected drugs in Malaysia, Table 4. Trends in wholesale / retail prices of selected drugs in Malaysia in USD, Table 5. Typical purities of selected drugs in Malaysia, 218 Myanmar Table 1. Trend in use of selected drugs in Myanmar, Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs in Myanmar, Table 3. Proportions of seizures of selected drugs in Myanmar by state, 218 Table 4. Seizures of selected precursor chemicals in Myanmar, Table 5. Retail prices of selected drugs in Myanmar in USD, Philippines Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in the Philippines, Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs and precursor chemicals in the Philippines, Table 3. Number of illicit methamphetamine facilities dismantled in the Philippines, Table 4. Retail prices of selected drugs in the Philippines in USD, Table 5. Purities of selected drugs analysed in the Philippines, Republic of Korea Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in the Republic of Korea, * Table 2. Number of people admitted to drug treatment centres in the Republic of Korea, Table 3. Seizures of selected drugs in Korea, Table 4. Purities of crystalline methamphetamine samples analysed in the Republic of Korea, Table 5. Retail prices ofselected drugs in the Republic of Korea in USD, Singapore Table 1. Trends in use of specific drugs in Singapore, * Table 2. Drug treatment admissions by drug type in Singapore, Table 3. Number of people who use drugs admitted to treatment centres by gender and drug type, 217 Table 4. Seizures of selected illicit drugs in Singapore, * Thailand Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Thailand, * Table 2. Drug treatment admissions in Thailand by drug type, vi

13 Table 3. People who underwent treatment services for drug use by gender and by drug type, 217 Table 4. Seizures of selected drugs in Thailand, Table 5. Purities of selected drugs analysed in Thailand, January-May 218 Table 6. Retail prices of selected illicit drugs in Thailand by region in Thai Baht, 218 Viet Nam Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Viet Nam, * Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs in Viet Nam, * Table 3. Purities of selected drugs analysed in Viet Nam (percentage), 217 Table 4. Wholesale and retail prices ofselected drugs in Viet Nam in USD, 217 Table 5. List of synthetic NPS* identified in Viet Nam, ** Maps Regional trends: East and South-East Asia Map 1. Countries reporting methamphetamine as their primary drug of concern, 28 and 218 (or the latest year available) Map 2. Perceived methamphetamine tablet trafficking flows in the Mekong region, Map 3. Perceived crystalline methamphetamine trafficking flows in East and South-East Asia, Map 4. Perceived methamphetamine precursor chemical trafficking flows into Myanmar, 218 Thailand Map 1. Top 1 provinces for methamphetamine tablet seizures in Thailand, January-October 218 vii

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15 REGIONAL TRENDS: EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Regional trends: East and South-East Asia Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Since the latter part of the 2s, there has been a strong shift in the drug market in East and South-East Asia, from opiates to methamphetamine. Seizures of methamphetamine in the region in 217 amounted to more than 82 tons, by far the largest amount ever reported from the region. Latest available data for 218 confirmed by countries in the region mostly by the third quarter of the year 1 show a further substantial increase, reaching 116 tons. Increased quantities of methamphetamine seizures and decreases in retail prices of the drug in East and South-East Asia suggest that the supply of the drug has expanded. Methamphetamine related treatment admissions account for a large majority of all drug related treatment admissions in the region. Transnational organized crime (TOC) groups operating in the region have been increasingly involved in the manufacture and trafficking of methamphetamine and other drugs in the Golden Triangle in recent years. Substantial quantities of precursor chemicals for methamphetamine have been continuously diverted and trafficked within the region. While the content of MDMA in ecstasy 2 tablets found in the region vary from country to country, there have been noticeable increases in the average MDMA content of ecstasy tablets found in the region in recent years. Tablet preparations sold as ecstasy but containing substances other than MDMA, including new psychoactive substances (NPS), continued to be found in the region. Potent synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl), implicated in fatalities in other parts of the world, are being identified by some countries in the region. Annual seizures of ketamine have been declining since 215, which has been driven by decreases in quantities of the drug seized in China. However, seizures of the drug have been rapidly increasing in several other countries in South-East Asia. Overview of the methamphetamine market 1, 2 There has been a strong shift in the drug market in East and South-East Asia, from opiates to metham- 1 At the time of writing, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao People s Democratic Republic (PDR), Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand - have provided the drug seizure data for all of 218. China, Indonesia, and Singapore have provided the data up-to September 218, Viet Nam for the first eleven months of 218, and Japan for the first half of the year, and the first eight months for Taiwan Province of China. 2 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the region. phetamine. With the exception of Viet Nam, all the 13 countries 3 in the region reported methamphetamine as their primary drug of concern in 218 or the latest year available, while a decade ago only 5 countries reported that to be the case. 4 The shift to methamphetamine has affected even countries traditionally known to have a relatively large market for heroin, such as China and 3 The 13 countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. 4 Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP). 1

16 Global SMART Programme 219 Map 1. Countries reporting methamphetamine as their primary drug of concern, 28 and 218 (or the latest year available) 6 China Republic of Korea Japan China Republic of Korea Japan Myanmar Lao PDR Thailand Viet Nam Cambodia Philippines Myanmar Lao PDR Thailand Viet Nam Cambodia Philippines Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Indonesia Brunei Darussalam Malaysia Singapore Indonesia or latest year available Countries reported methamphetamine as their primary drug of concern * Note: Data for the Democratic Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, China, Macau, China, Mongolia and Taiwan Province of China are not available. Source: Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP); Official Communication with Japan and the Republic of Korea, January 219. Figure 1. Potential opium production in Myanmar, , 8 Figure 2. Seizures of methamphetamine in East and South-East Asia, * Amount (tons) 6 4 Seizures (tons) Note: Data for 216 are not available. Source: UNODC, Myanmar Opium Survey 218 and previous years. Malaysia. In Malaysia, the number of methamphetamine users detected by law enforcement authorities surpassed that of heroin users for the first time in Ibid * Note: *Data for 218 include only those confirmed by countries in the region. For more information, see footnote 1 of the report. Source: DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Hong Kong, China; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Macau, China; UNODC ARQ 216 and previous years for Mongolia; Official communication with the National Police Agency (NPA), Japan, January 219; Official communication with the Supreme Prosecutors Office (SPO), the Republic of Korea, February 219; The Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan Province of China, September 218 drug statistics, September Data for 218 was available for Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Data for 217 was used for the rest of countries. 2

17 REGIONAL TRENDS: EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Figure 3. Proportion of methamphetamine related treatment admissions among all treatment admissions, Figure 4. Proportion of females among persons admitted to treatment centers for methamphetamine in selected countries in East and South-East Asia, Cambodia Lao PDR Brunei Darussalam Phillippines Methamphetamine Thailand Singapore Republic of Korea Malaysia Other drugs Myanmar * Note: Data for 215 were used for Lao PDR. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 for Myanmar; UNODC ARQ 217 for the Republic of Korea. Evidence shows a steep decrease in potential amounts of opium produced in Myanmar, the largest opium poppy producer in the region. Between 213 and 218, there has been a 4% decrease in the estimated amount of opium produced in the country. On the other hand, the over 116 tons of confirmed methamphetamine seizures in the region in 218 represents a 21% increase compared to seizures in 213. Several countries in the region, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, report an upward trend in the number of methamphetamine users brought into formal contact with authorities for drug use. 7 In addition, the number of registered drug users for methamphetamine in China and Viet Nam also continued to increase in recent years. 8 In 217, methamphetamine related treatment admissions continued to account for a large majority of all treatment admissions in several countries in East and South-East Asia. This included countries such as Myanmar, who traditionally have a larger proportion of other drug related admissions, other than methamphetamine. 9 The proportion of women and girls entering treatment is quite low in many countries in the region. This may be an indication of women having less access to 7 For more information, see respective country chapters in the report. 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid. Propor on (%) Singapore Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Indonesia Philippines Thailand Lao PDR Viet Nam Malaysia Myanmar * Note: Data for 215 was used for Lao PDR and data for 216 was used for Indonesia and Viet Nam. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 for Myanmar. treatment than men. In 216, globally and across all drug types one in three drug users were women, while women accounted only for one in five people in treatment. 1 Seizures of methamphetamine continue to follow upward trends, both in terms of tablet and in crystalline form. The amount of methamphetamine tablets seized annually in East and South-East Asia continues to increase every year. In 217, seizures of methamphetamine tablets in the region amounted to nearly 45 million tablets, a 4% increase compared to the preceding year. 11 Confirmed amounts of the drug seized by countries in the region in 218 already exceeded the total reported in 217 by far, reaching 745 million tablets, 12 with Thailand accounting for more than 515 million tablets. 13 It is worthy of note that the amount seized in Thailand in 218 is 17 times larger than the combined amount of the drug seized a decade ago (29.8 million tablets) by all countries in East and South-East Asia. 14 The steep increase in annual seizures of methamphetamine in the region appears to have been largely driven by the quantities of individual seizures of the drug had become larger. The market for methamphetamine tablets remains largely 1 UNODC, World Drug Report 218, June DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 for Japan; UNODC ARQ 217 for the Republic of Korea 12 DAINAP; Official communication with NPA, Japan, January 219; Official communication with SPO, the Republic of Korea, February Official communication with the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) of Thailand, January DAINAP. None 3

18 Global SMART Programme 219 Figure 5. Seizures of methamphetamine tablets in the East and South-East Asia by country, * 8,, 7,, 6,, Figure 6. Typical retail price of methamphetamine tablet per tablet for selected countries in East and South-East Asia, 214 and latest year available 12 1 Seizures (Number of tablets) 5,, 4,, 3,, 2,, 1,, China Lao PDR Myanmar Thailand Other countries Retail price per tablet (US$) * * Note: * Data for 218 include only those confirmed by countries in the region. For more information, see footnote 1of the report. Source(s): UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Hong Kong, China; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Macau, China; DAINAP; Official communication with NPA, Japan, January 219; Official communication with SPO, the Republic of Korea, February 219. confined within the Greater Mekong Sub-region, as more than 99% of methamphetamine tablets seized annually in East and South-East Asia have been seizures in the region in 218 represents a 21% increase compared to seizures in 213. reported from the subregion over the last decade. 15 The typical purity of methamphetamine tablets found in East and South-East Asia has been relatively stable, mostly within the range of 15 and 25 % 16, albeit with some inter-country variation. On the other hand, the retail price of methamphetamine tablet has been decreasing in several countries in the region in recent years. The steep increases in seizures, stable purity and decreasing retail prices of methamphetamine tablets might be indicative of oversupply of the drug within the region. Data on seizure, price and purity also show the expansion of the crystalline methamphetamine market in East and South-East Asia. With the exception of 216, seizures of the drug in the region have been expanding every year over the last decade. In 217, a total of 39.4 tons of crystalline methamphetamine were seized in the region, surpassing the previous record 15 Ibid. 16 For instance, about 99% of million methamphetamine tablets analysed in Thailand during the first five months of 218 were within the range of 15 25%. In addition, based on the typical purity of methamphetamine tablets analysed in China in 217 was 17%. Cambodia (214) Cambodia (217) Malaysia (214) Malaysia (218) Myanmar (214) Myanmar (217) Thailand (214) Thailand (218) Note: The high-low bars represent the upper and lower limits of the price ranges for those countries which reported such ranges in addition to the typical price. Source(s): DAINAP amount reported in 215 (34.7 tons). 17 Preliminary data for 218 show a further substantial increase, with countries in the region reporting at least 48 tons of seized drug. The six Mekong countries 18 accounted for 72 % of the total crystalline methamphetamine seizures between 213 and 218. The average purity of crystalline methamphetamine in East and South-East Asia continues to remain high. For instance, Thailand reported that the vast majority (91%) of samples analysed in the country in 217 had purities over 9%. 19 China also reported the average purity of crystalline methamphetamine samples (N = 3,377) analysed in the country in 217 was 89%. 2 Other countries in the region Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Viet Nam in 217 had purities between 7 8%. 21 While purity has remained high, the retail price of crystalline methamphetamine in several countries in the region, 17 DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Hong Kong, China; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Macau, China; UNODC ARQ 216 and previous years for Mongolia; Official communication with NPA, Japan, January 219; Official communication with SPO, the Republic of Korea, February 219; The Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan Province of China, September 218 drug statistics, September The six Mekong countries are Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. 19 ONCB, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in Thailand, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August DAINAP. 4

19 REGIONAL TRENDS: EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Figure 7. Seizures of crystalline methamphetamine in the East and South-East Asia by sub-region, * 5, 4, Figure 8. Number of methamphetamine manufacturing facilities dismantled in East and South-East Asia, * 6 5 Seizures (kg) 3, 2, 1, Number * * Six Mekong countries Other countries in the region * Note: Data for 218 include only those confirmed by countries in the region. For more information, see footnote 1 of the report. Source(s): Source(s): UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Hong Kong, China; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Macau, China; UNODC ARQ 216 and previous years for Mongolia; DAINAP; Official communication with NPA, Japan, January 219; Official communication with SPO, the Republic of Korea, February 219. including Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Myanmar, and Thailand, has decreased in recent years. 22 Overall, available data in East and South-East Asia suggest a glut of methamphetamine in the region. To some extent, improved law enforcement activities in the region can explain increases in seizures of methamphetamine in recent years, yet the unprecedented amounts of methamphetamine seized in 218 by so many countries at the same time suggests an uninterrupted supply of the drug. The number of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories 23 dismantled in East and South-East Asia continued to increase from 28 to 215, reaching its peak with 526 laboratories dismantled in the latter year. However, since its peak in 215, the number has been declining every year, and the preliminary figure for 218 reported from the region represents a 75% decrease compared to that of 215. The decreases have been mainly driven by the number reported from the Government of China where the 22 See respective country chapters in the report. 23 The number of dismantled facilities manufacturing methamphetamine is an important indicator to assess the level of supply of the drug although there are several limitations, especially when there is limited information for the scale of dismantled facilities. Nonetheless, it provides a good understanding of the extent of drug production. Note: * Data for 218 cover the first ten months of the year. Source (s): DAINAP; Country Reports presented by national authorities at the 1 th Regional SMART workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; and Country Reports presented by national authorities at the High-level Regional Precursor Conference, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar, November 218. number of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories dismantled decreased by nearly 6%. between 215 and 217. Preliminary data for 218, up to October, showed a further substantial decline. 24 Although there is no comprehensive data to assess the scale of manufacture of the dismantled methamphetamine facilities, the trend may indicate an overall reduction in the availability of the drug in the country. The persistent downward trend observed in the number of dismantled methamphetamine manufacturing facilities in East and South-East Asia together with increasing seizures may indicate the presence of undetected largescale clandestine manufacturing facilities or clusters of small-scale manufacturing facilities. Data on seizures and prices suggest that the methamphetamine market in China has contracted while the market outside China has expanded. The intensified law enforcement operations in China has led to a spike in the typical wholesale price for 1 kg of crystalline methamphetamine illicitly manufactured in the country from US $ 2,91 in 215 to US $ 21,8 in 218, indicating a shortage of the substance in the domestic market. 25,26 On the other hand, 24 National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) of China, Precursor chemicals in China, presented at the High-level Regional Conference on Precursor Control, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar November NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August According to the Government of China, N-isopropylbenzylamine has been increasingly used as a substitute of methamphetamine due to its decreases in domestic supply of the drug in the country. 5

20 Global SMART Programme 219 wholesale prices for methamphetamine manufactured in the Golden Triangle has decreased, suggesting an oversupply. For example, Viet Nam authorities have reported a price of US $ 8, for 1 kg of crystalline methamphetamine perceived to have originated from the Golden Triangle in 217, down from the US $ 13,5 reported in The lower price of methamphetamine manufactured in the Golden Triangle in comparison to the rest of the region could have led TOC groups, including Taiwanese TOC groups, to increasingly source the drug from the Golden Triangle. and Thailand. For instance, methamphetamine tablets seized in 218 in Thailand alone amounted to 515 million tablets, larger than the combined seizures of the drug reported from all countries in the region in any preceding year. 29 Data on seizures of methamphetamine by province in Thailand suggest a notable change in trafficking patterns of methamphetamine sourced from the Golden Triangle with intensified flows of crystalline methamphetamine into Malaysia. In 218, quantities of crystalline methamphetamine seized in the Southern part of the country, close to Malaysia, accounted for Figure 9. Photos of methamphetamine production facilities dismantled in Kutkai, North Shan, Myanmar Note: Photo was contributed by CCDAC, Myanmar. Law enforcement operations in the Golden Triangle gives evidence to large quantities of methamphetamine, as well as other synthetic drugs, being produced there. Between February and March 218, Myanmar authorities dismantled six large scale drug manufacture facilities in Kutkai, Northern Shan State. Based on the chemical precursors and substances found, the facilities appeared to have been used in the manufacture of methamphetamine and ketamine. In total, more than 1.2 million methamphetamine tablets, 259 kg of crystalline methamphetamine, 2,35 kg of ketamine and various precursor chemicals were seized. 28 Prior to these, almost all methamphetamine facilities dismantled in the country were tablet production facilities. With the surge in methamphetamine production in the Golden Triangle, annual seizures of methamphetamine have increased significantly in countries in the Mekong region, in particular Lao PDR, Myanmar 27 SODC, Increasing drug flows and production in the Golden Triangle, presented at the Transnational Organized Crime Conference in Lao PDR, Vientiane, Lao PDR, November CCDAC, Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. one-third of the entire seizures of the drug, while the corresponding figure for 213 was only 7%. The diverging trends of the methamphetamine markets in China and in the Golden Triangle is visible also in the trafficking patterns of crystalline Figure 1. Seizures of methamphetamine in China and Southeast Asia, * Seizures (kg) 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, * China South-East Asia Note: *Data for 218 include only those confirmed by countries in the region. For more information, see footnote 1 of the report. Source(s): DAINAP. 29 DAINAP; Official Communication with ONCB, Thailand, January

21 REGIONAL TRENDS: EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Map 2. Perceived methamphetamine tablet trafficking flows in the Mekong region, INDIA CHINA BANGLADESH MYANMAR LAO PDR THAILAND CAMBODIA VIETNAM INDONESIA MALAYSIA Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Source(s): UNODC elaboration based on information from responses to ARQ 216 and 217; Country presentations presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and the Mekong Drugs and Precursor Trafficking Route Analysis workshop, Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam, April 218. methamphetamine. If in 215, China and Hong Kong, China, were the top two embarkation points for methamphetamine trafficked to Australia, in 217, Thailand and Malaysia ranked the second and the third respectively, after the United States. 3,31 Lao PDR has also been increasingly targeted as a transit point for methamphetamine trafficked within and from the region. Seizures of methamphetamine, in particular its tablet form, made along the border with Thailand have significantly increased in recent 3 UNODC, ARQ 217 for Australia. 31 UNODC, ARQ 215 for Australia. years. For instance, between 216 and 218 (August), seizures of methamphetamine tablets made in the Lao PDR- Thailand border areas increased by 75%, from 5.1 million tablets to 21 million tablets. 32 Increasing illicit flows of methamphetamine tablets westward from the Golden Triangle, in particular into Bangladesh, have been continuously noted in recent years. According to the Government of Myanmar, about one-third of all methamphetamine tablets seized 32 Safe Mekong Coordination Centre (SMCC), Overview of Drug Situation in the Golden Triangle & the Mekong Region presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

22 Global SMART Programme 219 Map 3. Perceived crystalline methamphetamine trafficking flows in East and South-East Asia, Democratic People s Republic of Korea Republic of Korea Japan! India China East China Sea Myanmar Lao PDR Taiwan Province of China South China Sea Bay of Bengal Thailand Cambodia Viet Nam Philippines Malaysia Brunei Singapore Indonesia Java Sea Timor Leste Timor Sea Australia To New Zealand Coral Sea Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Source(s): UNODC elaboration based on information from responses to ARQ 216 and 217; Country presentations presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and the Mekong Drugs and Precursor Trafficking Route Analysis workshop, Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam, April 218. in 218 were found in Rakhine state, indicating large flows of the drug from Myanmar to Bangladesh. 33 Seizures of methamphetamine tablets in Bangladesh in 217 amounted to more than 4 million tablets, representing a 42% increase compared to the figure reported in Recently, there have been several large-scale methamphetamine trafficking cases in the maritime domain reported by countries in the region, including Indonesia, Japan, as well as Australia. For instance, 33 Official communication with Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) of Myanmar, February UNODC ARQ 213 and 217 for Bangladesh. there were two large scale crystalline methamphetamine trafficking cases in the vicinity of Riau Islands of Indonesia, which resulted in seizures of more than 2.6 tons of the drug, believed to have originated from the Golden Triangle. 35 Those arrested in both cases were members of Taiwanese TOC groups, which have been playing a significant role in methamphetamine manufacturing and trafficking in the region. Several countries in the region and neighbouring countries, including Australia, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, the 35 National Narcotics Board (BNN) of Indonesia, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Indonesia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

23 REGIONAL TRENDS: EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Philippines, the Republic of Korea and Thailand, have also reported arrests of members of Taiwanese TOC groups for methamphetamine trafficking cases over the last two years. 36 Seizures data indicate that the trafficking of crystalline methamphetamine is largely within the region, but there is also evidence of some trafficking with outside the region. Crystalline methamphetamine trafficking Mexico in recent years. Some quantities of the drug originating from North America have also been seized in the Philippines. During the first half of 218, 27 parcel posts containing crystalline methamphetamine were seized in the country, with 26 of these reported to have been sent from California, the United States. 4 The chemical masking of methamphetamine to evade detection has been noted in recent years in seizures Box story. Crystalline methamphetamine trafficked in teabag packages In East and South-East Asia, teabag packages have been used by TOC groups for some years to conceal crystalline methamphetamine for trafficking. A persistent trend observed across several countries in East and South-East Asia and neighboring Oceania is the use of particular teabag packages. Figure 11. Photos of major teabag packages found in East, South-East Asia and Oceania Note: Photo was contributed by ONCB, Thailand. During the first seven months of 218, Thai authorities seized more than 12, teabag packages containing crystalline methamphetamine, suggesting the wide use of teabag packages in the Golden Triangle. 42 Trafficking case information from other countries in East and South-East Asia also strongly indicates that to be the case. flows from the Mekong region to Israel for example, have been noted in recent years. According to data from the World Customs Organization s Regional Intelligence Liaison Office Asia Pacific (WCO RILO-AP), methamphetamine trafficked from Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam to Israel were recorded in the top 1 trafficking routes of the drug in Asia and the Pacific by number in Japan 38 and the Republic of Korea 39 have reported seizures of methamphetamine originating from outside the region: North America, in particular from 36 Country presentations delivered by AFP of Australia, NPA of Japan, SPO of the Republic of Korea, PDEA of the Philippines, NADA & RMP of Malaysia, ONCB of Thailand, and NACC of Cambodia, at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August In 217, a total of 553 methamphetamine trafficking cases were reported from countries in Asia and the Pacific to the Custom Enforcement Network (CEN) database, an online global seizure database among customs authorities. 38 For more information, see the respective country chapter in the report. 39 Ibid. in Australia, Japan and New Zealand. 41 The masked product, based on a reaction of methamphetamine with tert-butyl methyl(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (t-boc), is easily converted to methamphetamine by treating it with sulphuric acid. Forensic data, albeit limited, from countries in the region indicate that ephedrine and pseudoephedrine 42 remain the major precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine in the region. A large majority 4 Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) & Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan Part II, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Australian Federal Police (AFP), Precursor control in Australia, presented at the High-level Regional Conference on Precursor Control, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar November 218; New Zealand Police, 42 Both chemicals have widespread legitimate use in the pharmaceutical industry, in bulk form and in the form of pharmaceutical preparations. 9

24 Global SMART Programme 219 of methamphetamine samples analysed in China in recent years appear to have been manufactured with ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. One of the 38 methamphetamine samples analysed in Indonesia in 218 was a racemic mixture of methamphetamine 43, showing the use of 1-phenyl-2-propanone (P-2-P) as the precursor used in the manufacture of the sample. 44 A large proportion of methamphetamine samples analysed in recent years in Australia and the Republic of Korea, both of which seize substantial quantities of the drug originating from the region, were determined to have been manufactured from ephedrine/pseudoephedrine. 45 Table 1. Results of methamphetamine samples analyses to identify synthesis route in China, * Year Ephedrine P-2-P % 7.6% % 3.4% % 5.% %.5% % 1.6% 218* 93.% 4.5% Note: * Data up-to the 1 st half of 218. The exact number of methamphetamine samples analysed each year is not available. NNCC has informed that about 6, methamphetamine samples are analysed annually. Source: NNCC, Precursor Chemicals in China: Regulation, Enforcement Capacity & Trafficking Trends, presented at the High Level Regional Precursor Conference, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar, November 218. However, in recent years there have been strong indications of increased use of P-2-P to manufacture methamphetamine in the region. According to the Office of Narcotics Control Board of Thailand, 189 out of 265 crystalline methamphetamine samples analysed between 217 and January 219 appeared to have been manufactured with P-2-P as the starting material. Additionally, about 82 % of the total methamphetamine samples (N = 17) collected 43 Manufacturing methamphetamine with P-2-P as the base material would yield result in the racemic (5:5) mixture of d- and l-methamphetamine barring any further attempt to enrich d-isomer, which is more potent than l-isomer. On the other hand, ephedrine/ pseudoephedrine based methamphetamine synthetic routes would yield d-methamphetamine. 44 BNN, Methamphetamine impurity profiling result, December Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Illicit Drug Data Report ; SPO, the Republic of Korea, Methamphetamine impurity profiling result, presented at the 28 th Anti-Drug Liaison Officials Meeting for International Cooperation (ADLOMICO), Busan, the Republic of Korea, September 218. from Cambodia and analysed in Thailand in 218 indicated P-2-P based manufacturing methods. Types of chemicals seized in Myanmar also show P-2-P based methamphetamine manufacturing methods have been used in the Golden Triangle. In recent years, there are indications that Lao PDR may have been increasingly targeted as a transit country for chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. In 218, a record amount of over 5 tons of chemicals was seized in the country. Due to limited forensic capacity in the country, the identities of the seized chemicals have not been established. The use of pre-precursors for manufacturing methamphetamine in order to circumvent national and international precursor control frameworks has been a challenge for countries in the region. In 217, Chinese authorities seized 26 tons of 2-bromo-1- phenyl-1-propanone (2-Bromopropiophenone), a chemical which is not under the international control but can be used for the illicit manufacture of ephedrine. Figure 12. Amounts and the number of cases of pseudoephedrine seizures in Myanmar, Seizures (number of tablets) 4,, 35,, 3,, 25,, 2,, 15,, 1,, 5,, * Amounts Number of cases Note: The amount of pseudoephedrine found in each tablet varies. Source: DAINAP; CCDAC Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; CCDAC, Myanmar country report, presented at UNODC 42 nd Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific (HONLAP), Bangkok, Thailand October 218. CCDAC, Precursor Chemicals in Myanmar: Regulation, Enforcement Capacity & Trafficking Trends, presented at the High Level Regional Precursor Conference, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar, November Number of cases 1

25 REGIONAL TRENDS: EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Since 216, significant quantities of sodium cyanide (NaCN) have been seized in Myanmar and Thailand en route to the Golden Triangle. Sodium cyanide is a nonscheduled chemical at the international level, but could be used as a pre-pre-precursor for methamphetamine. However, there has been no concrete evidence that sodium cyanide has been used for the manufacture of methamphetamine in the Golden Triangle. Map 4. Perceived methamphetamine precursor chemical trafficking flows into Myanmar, 218 INDIA BANGLADESH Tamu Sagaing Kachin Myitkyina Muse Kut Kai CHINA Figure 13. Seizures of sodium cyanide in Thailand and Myanmar, Seizures (kg) 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Thailand Overview of the ecstasy market Myanmar Note: The Thailand figures for 216 and 217 include the amount of sodium cyanide confiscated. Source: CCDAC, Precursor Chemicals in Myanmar: Regulation, Enforcement Capacity & Trafficking Trends, presented at the High Level Regional Precursor Conference, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar, November 218; Official communication with ONCB of Thailand, January 219. Sittwe Bay of Bengal Haka Chin Rakhine Monywa Magway Mandalay Magway Pathein Pyay Ayeyarwaddy Mandalay Meiktila Nay Pyi Taw! Bago Bago Yangon Taunggyi Loikaw Kayah Kayin Yangon Mawlamyine Gulf of Martaban Andaman Sea Mon Lashio Hpa-An Tanintharyi Wa Pyin U Lwin Pan Hsang Mongyai Tangyan Shan Loilem Kyaing Tong Tachileik Mong La THAILAND Myawaddy Dawei Kengtung Mong Yawng LAO PDR From Viet Nam The ecstasy market in East and South-East Asia remains small compared to the methamphetamine market. Limited data from countries in the region show that the problematic use of ecstasy accounted for a very small proportion of all drug-related treatment admissions. 46 Similar to previous years, in 217, none of countries in the region reported ecstasy as one of the top three commonly used drugs, with the exception of Indonesia, which listed the drug as the third most widely used. 47 However, ecstasy use was perceived to have increased in several countries in the region in 217, including Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. In addition, crystalline MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine), generally considered to be purer than ecstasy tablets, appears to be available in the region Km Kawthoung Gulf of Thailand Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Source: UNODC elaboration based on information from CCDAC, Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam, August 217; CCDAC, Precursor Chemicals in Myanmar: Regulation, Enforcement Capacity & Trafficking Trends, presented at the High Level Regional Precursor Conference, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, November 218. The manufacture of ecstasy doesn t seem to be widespread in East and South-East Asia. In 217, only three countries in the region - China, Malaysia and Viet Nam - reported to have seized ecstasy manufacture facilities. However, it is important to note that Viet Nam authorities reported to have seized a relatively large-scale ecstasy manufacture 46 For instance, about 1% of all drug related treatment admissions in Malaysia and the Philippines in 217 were ecstasy related, and the corresponding figure for Singapore was less than 1%. 47 UNODC ARQ 217 for Indonesia. 48 For instance, according to data on seized material samples of Indonesia in 217, there were two samples of crystalline MDMA; National Narcotics Board (BNN), Samples submitted to BNN s lab, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

26 Global SMART Programme 219 facility in 217, which resulted in seizures of 4 kg of ecstasy tablets, 85 kg of the drug in powder form and some quantities of safrole, a precursor for manufacturing ecstasy. 49 A clandestine MDA 5 (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) laboratory was dismantled in Jakarta in 217, and according to national authorities the substance was used in mixture with water for clubs in the country. 51 In 217, a total of approximately 9 million ecstasy tablets were seized in East and South-East Asia. This represents a significant increase compared to the three preceding years when around 3 million tablets were seized annually. One of main reasons for the steep rise is a single trafficking case related to 1.2 million tablets trafficked from the Netherlands and seized in Indonesia. 52 Indonesia alone accounts for more than 4% of the total ecstasy seizures reported in the region between 213 and 217, followed by China (28%) and Malaysia (14%). 53 Ecstasy flows from other regions to East and South- East Asia continue to be reported. In addition to the Figure 14. Seizures of ecstasy in East and South-East Asia, * Number of tablets 1,, 8,, 6,, 4,, 2,, * Note: * Data for 218 include only those confirmed by countries in the region. For more information, see footnote 1 of the report. Source(s): UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Hong Kong, China; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Macau, China; UNODC ARQ 216 and previous years for Mongolia; DAINAP; Official communication with NPA, Japan, January 219; Official communication with SPO, the Republic of Korea, February 219; The Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan Province of China, September 218 drug statistics, September SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August MDA is an analogue of MDMA. 51 BNN, Precursor control in Indonesia, presented at the High-level Regional Precursor Conference, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar, November BNN, Country presentation, presented at the Mekong Drugs and Precursor Trafficking Route Analysis workshop, Ho Chi Minh City, April DAINAP. large seizure made in Indonesia from the Netherlands, in August 218, Cambodian authorities seized about 98 kg of ecstasy, the largest amount ever seized in the country. 54 Germany was the departure point of the drug but the origin remains unknown. 55 In addition, Philippine authorities reported a seizure of 14,72 tablets of ecstasy trafficked from France in August The average content of MDMA in ecstasy tablets found in the region varies from country to country, yet there have been noticeable increases across countries in the MDMA content of ecstasy tablets. Several countries in the region, including Cambodia and Indonesia, reported ecstasy tablets with nearly 5% of MDMA content. 57 Within the region, limited forensic data indicate a trend towards high dose MDMA in ecstasy tablets similar to what has been observed in Europe. Overview of the new psychoactive substances (NPS) market Between 28 and 218, a total of 434 different NPS were reported by countries in East and South-East Asia, almost half of the 891 different NPS reported for the same period at the global level. The total number of NPS reported by countries in the region peaked in 215 but has been declining since, consistent with the global NPS trend. Synthetic cannabinoids (136) and synthetic cathinones (98) accounted for more than 5% of the total number of NPS identified in the region, followed by phenethylamines (68). Globally, synthetic cannabinoids also constitute the largest category in terms of the number of substances reported to the UNODC. 58 The synthetic cannabinoids account for largest proportion of the total number of NPS identified in Japan and Republic of Korea. However, Indonesia and Viet Nam continue to report an 54 NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Ibid. 56 Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) & Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; BNN, Samples submitted to BNN s lab, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August UNODC Early Warning Advisory on NPS. 12

27 REGIONAL TRENDS: EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Figure 15. Appearance of NPS in East and South-East Asia by substance group, * 3 25 Aminoindanes Phencyclidine-type substances Number Phenethylamines Piperazines Plant-based substances Synthe c cannabinoids Synthe c cathinones Tryptamines Other substances * 218* Note: Based on the analysis of 434 NPS. Data for 217 and 218 are preliminary. Source(s): UNODC Early Warning Advisory on NPS; Country Reports presented by national authorities at the 1 th Regional SMART workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. increasing number of synthetic cannabinoid seizures. 59 In terms of pharmacological effects, substances with stimulant effects (including most of the synthetic cathinones) are the most reported (17), followed by the cannabinoid receptor agonists (136). A wide variety of substances with stimulant effects were reported by Japan (131), followed by China (68). 6 The high number of substances with stimulant effect could relate to the existing large regional amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) market where NPS could be used as substation or as complementary to the controlled substances. Synthetic opioids, some of which have been implicated in overdose deaths outside the region, especially in North America, are being identified in the region, particularly in China and Japan. The number of synthetic opioids reported to the UNODC Early Warning Advisory by countries in the region has risen from only 3 substances in 213 to 19 substances in 218. There is a paucity of information on the use of these synthetic opioids in the region with a considerable heroin market, there are risks that traffickers might substitute heroin with synthetic opioids or adulterate the heroin supply with synthetic 59 Country reports presented by Member States during the 218 Annual SMART Workshop for East and South-East Asia in Chiangrai, Thailand 6 UNODC Early Warning Advisory on NPS; Country Reports presented by national authorities at the 1 th Regional SMART workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Figure 16. Proportion of NPS in East and South-East Asia by pharmacological effect, * 39% 5% 5% 2% 14% 31% 4% Cannabinoid receptor agonist Dissocia ve/anaesthe c Hallucinogen Seda ve hypno c S mulant Synthe c opioid receptor agonist Unassigned Note: Based on the analysis of 434 NPS. Data for 217 and 218 are preliminary. Source(s): UNODC Early Warning Advisory on NPS; Country Reports presented by national authorities at the 1 th Regional SMART workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. opioids to maximize their profits. Given the limited forensic capacity of several countries in the region to identify these substances, such a development could go underreported. The region is frequently perceived as a source of NPS trafficked to other parts of the world. Information on the use of most NPS in the region is limited, but available forensic information indicates that tables sold as ecstasy or under various street names include a wide variety of NPS rather than MDMA/MDEA. 13

28 Global SMART Programme 219 Table 2. Synthetic opioids identified in East and South-East Asia, Substance name Year reported 2,2 -Difluorofentanyl Methylacetylfentanyl Fluoroisobutyrfentanyl 217 Acrylfentanyl 217 Benzylfentanyl 217 Butyrfentanyl 217 Cyclopropylfentanyl 217 Furanylfentanyl 217 Methoxyacetylfentanyl 217 U U Chloroisobutyrfentanyl Fluoroisobutyrfentanyl 218 Cyclopropylfentanyl 218 Methoxyacetylfentanyl 218 Tetrahydrofuranylfentanyl 218 Source(s): UNODC Early Warning Advisory on NPS; Country Reports presented by national authorities at the 1 th Regional SMART workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August in On the other hand, annual seizures of ketamine in several countries in the region, including Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand, have been increasing rapidly in recent years. 66 There has been a proliferation of the illicit manufacture of ketamine in South-East Asia, which may have been related to the decrease in the illicit production of ketamine in China. Based on substances found at drug manufacture sites dismantled in Myanmar in early 218, a total of 2,35 kg of ketamine were seized in the country. 67 Several drug trafficking cases have been reported in recent years from Thailand involving seizures of ketamine together with other drugs, such as methamphetamine and heroin, originating in the Golden Triangle. 68 Viet Nam also reported to have dismantled small-scale clandestine ketamine laboratories in 217 and during the first half of , and Malaysia seized its first ever illicit ketamine manufacturing facility in Figure 17. Seizures of ketamine in East and South-East Asia by sub-region, * Seizures of the psychoactive plants Kratom 61 and Khat 62 continue to be reported in the region. In 218, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand reported almost 4 tons 63 of seized kratom. Seizures of khat, were reported by Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, Republic of Korea and Viet Nam in the past two years. While there are indications of the use of kratom in the region, there is no reported use of khat. Seizures (kg) 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, * Annual seizures of ketamine in East and South-East Asia have been declining since 215 when the record amount of the drug was seized in the region. The downward trend in annual ketamine seizures in the region is largely due to a significant drop in quantities seized in China where there have been some indications of the decreased availability of the drug in recent years. Between 215 and 217, annual seizures of ketamine in China decreased by more than 6%, from 19.6 tons to 7.3 tons 64, and there was a 4% decrease in the number of dismantled clandestine ketamine laboratories during the same period: 97 in 215 to 61 Mitragyna speciose is a native plant of South-East Asia. It has both stimulant and sedative effect. 62 Catha edulis is a native plant of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has stimulant effect. 63 Please see Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand chapters for more information. 64 DAINAP. China, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan Province of China Rest of E/SE Asia Note: * 218 data include only amounts confirmed by countries in the region. For more information, see footnote 1 of the report. Source(s): DAINAP; Official communication with NPA, January 219; Official communication with SPO, February NNCC, Precursor chemicals in China, presented at the Highlevel Regional Conference on Precursor Control, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar November DAINAP; For more information, see respective country chapters. 67 CCDAC, Myanmar country presentation, ONCB Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August For instance, on 26 th July 218, Thai authorities seized 1 kg of ketamine alongside with 11.8 million methamphetamine tablets and 6 kg of crystalline methamphetamine in Singburi, Thailand; Narcotic Suppression Bureau (NSB) OF Royal Thai Police, Thailand, Country Report presented at the 28 th Anti-Drug Liaison Officials Meeting for International Cooperation (ADLOMICO), Busan, the Republic of Korea, September Standing Office of Drugs and Crime (SODC), Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; 7 NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam, August

29 REGIONAL TRENDS: EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Recent ketamine manufacture and trafficking cases indicate that Indian drug trafficking syndicates may be playing a role in the ketamine market in the region. For instance, in June 217, Indian authorities dismantled a synthetic drug laboratory in Chennai and seized about 11 kg of ketamine destined for Malaysia together with 55.5 kg of pseudoephedrine. A total of 11 people were arrested 1 Indian nationals and one Malaysian. 71 It is worthy of note that members of an Indian drug trafficking syndicate were also arrested in the first clandestine ketamine laboratory dismantled in Malaysia in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), India, Annual Report NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam, August

30 16 Global SMART Programme 219

31 BRUNEI DARUSSALAM BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine Crystalline methamphetamine remains the primary drug of concern in Brunei Darussalam and accounts for a large majority of drug-related arrests and treatment admissions every year (see table 1 and figure 1). The price (USD per gram) and purity (over 7%) of crystalline methamphetamine in the country at the retail level have remained stable in recent years (see table 4). Ecstasy 1 While the use of Ecstasy is low in the country, expert perception indicates an increase in the use of the drug in 217, similar to a trend observed in its neighbouring maritime Southeast Asia countries (see table 1). New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) The use of ketamine has been increasing in Brunei Darussalam in recent years, and there have been no reports on the use of other NPS. Other drugs Nimetazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative, sold under the name of a discontinued proprietary product, Erimin 5, continues to be marketed and used in the country. Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trend in use of selected drugs in Brunei Darussalam, * Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Ecstasy Cannabis herb Inhalants Ketamine Nimetazepam Note: * Based on expert perception provided by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Brunei Darussalam. = Increase, = Decrease, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC Annual Report Questionnaires (ARQ) 217 and previous years for Brunei Darussalam; Official communication with NCB, February MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 17

32 Global SMART Programme 219 Figure 1. Number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in Brunei Darussalam by drug type, Figure 2. Number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in Brunei Darussalam by age group, Number Crystalline methamphetamine Ecstasy Other drugs Cannabis Nimentazepam Source(s): DAINAP; NCB, Synthetic drug situation in Brunei Darussalam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with NCB, February Below 15 years years 2-29 years 3-39 years 4-49 years 5-59 years 6 years or above Source(s): DAINAP; NCB, Synthetic drug situation in Brunei Darussalam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with NCB, February 219. Table 2. Number of people who use drugs receiving treatment by gender and selected drug types, Drug type Male Female Total Male Female Total N = 689 Methamphetamine Cannabis Inhalants Codeine 1 1 Poly drug use 1 1 Total Source(s): DAINAP; NCB, Synthetic drug situation in Brunei Darussalam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Drug supply indicators 18 Table 3. Seizures of selected drugs in Brunei Darussalam, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine kg Ecstasy tablet /g 6 25 and.5 g 43 and 3.4 g and 1.6 g Cannabis herb kg Heroin kg Ketamine tablet /g 18 g 14 and g Nimetazepam tablet / g g 17.6 g 243 and 4.1 g 457 and 1.4 g 5 and 54.5 g 453 and 11.8 g Note: = Not reported. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Brunei Darussalam; and NCB, Synthetic drug situation in Brunei Darussalam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with NCB, February g 275

33 BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Table 4. Retail prices (USD) of selected illicit drugs in Brunei Darussalam in BND (USD), 218 Drug type Unit 218 Crystalline methamphetamine Ecstasy Cannabis herb Ketamine per g per tablet 1 Benzodiazepines (Erimin 5) per tablet (7) Note: NCB has reported the same prices of the drugs in the table in BND for 217 and 218; The conversion ratio used is 1 BND =.74 USD (as of 17 January 219) Source(s): DAINAP; Official communication with NCB, February 219. per g per g 195 (144) 3 (22) 15 (11) 5 (37) 19

34 2 Global SMART Programme 219

35 CAMBODIA CAMBODIA Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine The market for methamphetamine, particularly its crystalline form, continues to expand in Cambodia. This expansion in recent years has been accompanied by an increase in the number of people brought into formal contact with authorities in connection with drug use and the number for treatment admissions (See figure 1 and table 2). Increasingly larger quantities of crystalline methamphetamine continue to be seized annually, with the amount seized in 218 exceeding amount of the five previous years combined (See table 3). The average retail prices of both crystalline methamphetamine and methamphetamine tablets have decreased significantly in recent years, indicating the wider availability of the drug (See figure 4 and 5). Ecstasy 1 Annual seizures of ecstasy have increased significantly in recent years, mainly due to large quantities of the drug trafficked from Europe (see table 3). 2 Based on the limited use of ecstasy in the county, a large proportion of the drug seized may have been destined for other countries. New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) In 218, Cambodia made its first seizure of khat, originating from Ethiopia and destined for the United States. 3 The use of synthetic NPS, excluding ketamine, is not documented. Other drugs Cambodia continues to be used as a transit point for cocaine trafficking by transnational organized crime groups. 4 1 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 2 National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Ibid. 4 Ibid. 21

36 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trend in use of selected drugs in Cambodia, * Drug type Methamphetamine tablets Crystalline methamphetamine Ecstasy Cannabis herb Heroin Note: *Based on expert perception provided by NACD, Cambodia = Increase, = Decrease, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP). Figure 1. Number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in Cambodia, * Number 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, * Note: * Data cover the first half of 218. Source(s): DAINAP; NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Figure 2. Drug treatment centre admissions in Cambodia by age group, 217 4% 9% 3%5% 43% 1-17 years years years years > 46 years N = 15,786 Source(s): DAINAP; NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Table 2. Drug treatment centre admissions in Cambodia by drug type and gender, 217 Drug type Male Female Total Methamphetamine 13,243 2,34 15,547 Heroin Ketamine Other drugs Total 13,44 2,346 15,786* Note: * The total number of admissions for drug treatment centres in 217 was 15,796, and included those admitted for poly-drug use. Source(s): DAINAP; NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

37 CAMBODIA Drug supply indicators Table 3. Seizures of selected drugs in Cambodia, Drug type Unit Methamphetamine tablets a tablets 173,349 87, 265,76 49, ,556 77, Crystalline methamphetamine kg Ecstasy b tablets 1, ,59 83, ,2 Cannabis herb kg , Cocaine kg Heroin kg Ketamine kg. c. c Note:. a These figures include quantities reported as grams; all of which were converted into estimated tablet equivalent at 9 mg per tablet. b These figures include quantities reported as grams; all of which were converted into estimated tablet equivalent of 3 mg per tablet. c Less than.5 kg of ketamine was seized. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC Annual Report Questionnaire (ARQ) 216 and previous years for Cambodia; NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous years; Cambodian National Police, Drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the UNODC Transnational Organized Crime Threat Assessment for South-East Asia Consultative Workshop, Bangkok, Thailand, January 219. Figure 3. Number of drug-related arrests* and cases in Cambodia, , 15, Number 1, 5, Arrests Cases Note: *Data does not include people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities. Source(s): NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Cambodian National Police, Drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the UNODC Transnational Organized Crime Threat Assessment for South-East Asia Consultative Workshop, Bangkok, Thailand, January

38 Global SMART Programme 219 Table 4. Typical purities of selected drugs in Cambodia (percentage), Drug type Methamphetamine tablets Crystalline methamphetamine Ecstasy tablets Ketamine (powder) Heroin Cocaine Note: = Not reported. Source(s): NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 216 SMART Regional Workshop, Vientiane, Lao PDR, August 216. Figure 4. Retail prices of methamphetamine tablet in Cambodia in USD, Price per tablet in USD Note: *The high-low bars represent the upper and lower limits of the price ranges reported in addition to the typical price. Source(s): NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 216 SMART Regional Workshop, Vientiane, Lao PDR, August 216. Figure 5. Retail prices of crystalline methamphetamine in Cambodia in USD, Price per gram in USD Note: *The high-low bars represent the upper and lower limits of the price ranges reported in addition to the typical price. Source(s): NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; NACD, Synthetic drug situation in Cambodia, presented at the 216 SMART Regional Workshop, Vientiane, Lao PDR, August

39 CHINA CHINA Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine Increases in the number of people registered for synthetic drug use continued in 217 (see figure 2), which could have driven by methamphetamine. 1 The illicit manufacture of methamphetamine in China appears to be decreasing. The number of crystalline methamphetamine manufacturing facilities dismantled in the country has decreased every year since 214 (see figure 4). A steep increase in the wholesale price of crystalline methamphetamine in 218 (US $21,8/kg) compared to the corresponding data reported in 215 (US $2,91/kg) may indicated reduced availability of the drug. 2 China remains vulnerable to the risk of diversion of precursor chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. Transnational organized crime groups in China continue to circumvent existing domestic and international legal frameworks by using non-scheduled precursor chemicals. 3 Ecstasy 4 Although the size of the ecstasy market is significantly smaller than methamphetamine, annual seizures of the drug have been on the rise since 214. Record amounts of the drug were seized in 217 (see table 1). Diverse substances have been found in tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. These include new psychoactive substances, such as N-isopropylbenzylamine, 5-MeO-DALT, 4-MPD, and N-ethylpentylone. New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Despite national measures to restrict NPS, new substances, including potent synthetic opioids, continue to emerge in the country (see figure 6). In 217, the synthetic cathinone group of substances, mainly consisting of stimulants, accounted for the largest proportion of the total number of NPS identified by the country s NPS Monitoring Programme, followed by synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids (see figure 5). By substance, N-Ethylpentylone (stimulant) was the most frequently reported NPS, followed by 4-CEC (stimulant), AMB-FUBINACA (Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist), α-pvp (stimulant), and N-Ethylhexedrone (stimulant) according to the NPS Monitoring Programme in The amount of ketamine seized in China continues to decrease. Seizures of the drug in 217 were the lowest reported over the last decade (see table 1). Other drugs The Golden Triangle remains the primary source of heroin found in China, accounting for over 95% of the total heroin seized in the country. 6 However, the amount of heroin from Afghanistan seized in the 1 Based on the latest segregated data for the registered synthetic drug users by drug type (216), methamphetamine accounted for 92.8% of the total synthetic drug users. 2 National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) of China, Precursor chemicals in China, presented at the High-level Regional Conference on Precursor Control, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar November For instance, alpha-phenylacetoacetamid (APAA) has been increasingly used as a substitute for alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN), a substance scheduled in Table I of 1988 UN drug convention since MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 5 NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

40 Global SMART Programme 219 country increased in 217 for the first time since 213 7, likely due to a decrease in areas under opium poppy cultivation in the Golden Triangle. 8 China has been increasingly targeted as a transit location for cocaine trafficking. 9 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Figure 1. Proportion of registered drug users by type of drug used in China, * 1 8 Propor ons (%) * Synthe c drugs Heroin and other opiates Other drugs Note: * Data cover the first half of the year. Source(s): NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous country reports presented at past workshops. Figure 2. Number of people registered for using synthetic drug in China, Figure 3. Proportion of newly registered drug users by type in China, 217 1,75, 77.1% 6.3% 16.6% Synthe c drugs Other drugs Heroin and other opiates N = 344,4 Number of users 1,5, 1,25, Source(s): NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous country reports presented at past workshops. 6, 7, 8, 9 1,, Source(s): NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Ibid. 7 Ibid. 8 For instance, the latest UNODC Opium Survey for Myanmar denotes the total area of opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar in 217 was 41, hectares (ha), down 25% from the 55,5 ha recorded in NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218.

41 CHINA Drug supply indicators Table 1. Seizures of selected drugs in China, * Drug type Unit * Crystalline methamphetamine kg 8,. 13,7 22, ,518.4 Methamphetamine tablets a tablets 115,, 114,, 12,7, 129,123, ,222,222 97,644,444 Methamphetamine powder Methamphetamine liquid kg , Lt 1, , ,13 Ecstasy b tablets 435,2 153, ,1 1,2,266 3,333, ,133 Ketamine kg 9, , ,6 1, ,73.8 4,533.3 Cannabis herb kg 4,495.7 c 4, 8,7 d 5, ,52.4 2,399.1 Cannabis resin kg Cocaine kg , Heroin kg 8, ,3 8,8 8,777 7,2 Opium kg 1, ,741. 2, ,14 3,914.5 Note: * Data covers the first nine months of the year. = Not reported. a Figures reported other than the number of tablets converted into estimated pill equivalents at 1 mg per tablet. b Figures reported other than the number of tablets converted into estimated tablet equivalents at 3 mg per tablet. c, d Includes cannabis herb and cannabis resin. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC Annual Report Questionnaire; Official communication with NNCC, October 214; Official communication with NNCC, November 215; NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional meeting, Beijing, China, September 215; NNCC, Annual Report on Drug Situation in China 216, March 216; Official communication with NNCC, April 216; NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous country reports presented at past workshops; Official communication with NNCC, December 218. Figure 4. Number of illicit synthetic drug manufacturing facilities dismantled in China, * Figure 5. Types of NPS identified by the NPS Monitoring Programme of China, Number * Methamphetamine tablet * * Crystalline methamphetamine Ketamine Note: * Data covers the first ten months of the year. Source(s): DAINAP; NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; NNCC, Precursor chemicals in China, presented at the Highlevel Regional Conference on Precursor Control, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar November % 1% 9% 19% Synthe c cathinones Synthe c cannabinoids Fentanyl and its analogues Others N = 834 Source(s): NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

42 Global SMART Programme 219 Figure 6. Top 1 synthetic opioids identified by the NPS Monitoring Programme of China, % 3 Number Fentanyl Benzylfentanyl U-477 Methoxyacetylfentanyl Furanylfentanyl Cyclopropylfentanyl 4-Fluoroisobutyrfentanyl U Methylacetylfentanyl U-499 MD-U-477 2,2'-Difluorofentanyl Source(s): NNCC, Latest situation of synthetic drugs in China, presented at the Global SMART Programme Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Table 2. Retail prices of selected drugs in China in USD, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine Methamphetamine tablet per gram per tablet Ecstasy per tablet Heroin per gram 77 (45 121) 7 73 Ketamine per gram Cocaine per gram 56 (38 121) Cannabis herb per gram 24 (9 6) Source(s): UNODC Annual Report Questionnaire; DAINAP. Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine The reported number of people who use crystalline methamphetamine in Hong Kong, China, remains high, despite the first reported decrease in recent years in 217 (figure 1). The retail price of 1 gram of crystalline methamphetamine reported as of June 218 shows a significant increase compared to 217 (See table 2). Given the decreasing number of reported users of the drug and seizures, the increase in the retail price could point to a decreasing availability of crystalline methamphetamine. 1 Ecstasy 11 Seizures of ecstasy increased significantly in 217 compared to the preceding year (See table 1). However, the reported number of ecstasy users and related arrests annually still account for a minuscule proportion of the number of people who use illicit drugs. 12 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Ketamine use has declined in Hong Kong, China, over the last few years, evidenced by data on use, seizures and prices over the last few years. This trend might point to a decrease in supply of the drug trafficked from China. Hong Kong, China, has been a major transit location for the shipment of NPS, including khat. In 217, a record amount of khat (more than 6 tons) was seized by Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department,, most of which was destined for China and the United States. 13 Other drugs While heroin continued to be the most commonly reported drug of use in 217, the reported number of people who use heroin decreased ever year over the last decade Purity-adjusted prices were not available to confirm this hypothesis. 11 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in Hong Kong, China. 12 For instance, in 217, less than.5 % of the all reported drug users were ecstasy users. 13 Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department, Experience Sharing on Combating NPS in Hong Kong, presented at the World Customs Organizations Catalyst 2 Training Workshop, Seoul, the Republic of Korea, April NDSB, Central Registry of Drug Abuse Sixty-Fifth Report , NDSB, Newly/previously reported drug abusers by age group by common type of drugs abused (T3).

43 CHINA Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Figure 1. The number of people who use methamphetamine, ketamine, and heroin in Hong Kong, China, * 6, 5, Number of people 4, 3, 2, 1, * Methamphetamine Ketamine * Heroin * Cocaine * Note: * Data cover the first nine months of the year. Source: Narcotics Division, Security Bureau (NDSB), Newly/previously reported drug abusers by age group by common type of drugs abused (T3) (Accessed at Drug supply indicators Table 1. Seizures of selected drugs in Hong Kong, China, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine kg Ecstasy tablets 1,45 1,585 2,791 2,587 9,973 Ketamine kg Cannabis kg Cocaine kg Heroin kg Source(s): UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Hong Kong, China; Official communication with Hong Kong Police Force (HKNB), September 216; Hong Kong Police Force, Drug situation in Hong Kong, presented at the 28th Anti-Drug Liaison Officials Meeting for International Cooperation (ADLOMICO), Busan, the Republic of Korea, September 218. Table 2. Retail prices of selected drugs in Hong Kong, China, in USD, * Drug type Unit * Crystalline methamphetamine per gram Ecstasy per tablet Heroin per gram Ketamine per gram Cocaine per gram Note: * Data cover the first half of the year. = Not reported. Source(s): UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Hong Kong, China; Hong Kong Police Force, Narcotics Bureau Territory Report, shared at the 218 ADLOMICO meeting, Busan, the Republic of Korea, September 218; Hong Kong Police Force, Drug situation in Hon g Kong, presented at the 28th ADLOMICO meeting, Busan, the Republic of Korea, September

44 3 Global SMART Programme 219

45 INDONESIA INDONESIA Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine Crystalline methamphetamine remains the most widely used drug, after cannabis herb, in the country according to the most recent national drug use survey conducted in 217 (see figure 1). Available data on use, seizure, price and purity indicate that the market for crystalline methamphetamine continues to expand. The amount of crystalline methamphetamine seized in 217 (7.54 metric tons) was by far the largest ever reported in the country. Preliminary data for 218 (September) indicate another increase in seizures (see table 2). The scale of methamphetamine trafficking, targeting Indonesia both as a transit and a destination country has increased, as evidenced by two seizures reported in February The number of illicit manufacturing facilities for methamphetamine dismantled in the country has decreased significantly in recent years (see figure 3). Ecstasy 2 According to the expert perception, the use of ecstasy has been increasing in the country in recent years (see table 1), and record amounts of the drug were seized in 217. Annual seizures of ecstasy in Indonesia continue to account for the largest proportion of the total amounts seized in South-East Asia. 3 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Available data show that synthetic cannabinoids dominate the NPS market in Indonesia, and growing quantities of substances belonging to the group have been trafficked to the country (see figure 4 and figure 5). The non-medical use of tramadol, a synthetic opioid, has been reported from Indonesia, and it is the most widely used drug, after cannabis herb, methamphetamine and ecstasy (see figure 1). Other drugs There are indications of an increasing demand for a tablet preparation containing paracetamol, carisoprodol and caffeine, sold as PCC. For instance, a total of three illicit manufacturing facilities for the drug were seized in The National Narcotics Board (BNN) of Indonesia reported to UNODC that national authorities seized 1,63 kg and 1,62 kg of crystalline methamphetamine from two cases in February 218 in the vicinity of Batam, the Riau Island province. Taiwanese syndicate members were arrested for the both cases; the case involving 1,63 kg originated in the Golden Triangle. 2 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 3 For more information, see the Regional Overview of the report. 4 National Narcotics Board (BNN), Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Indonesia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

46 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Indonesia, Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Ecstasy Barbiturates Benzodiazepines Cannabis herb Cannabis resin Cocaine Heroin Ketamine Note: * Based on expert perception provided by the National Narcotics Board (BNN), Indonesia. = Increasing, = Decreasing, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP); UNODC Annual Report Questionnaires (ARQ) 217 and previous years for Indonesia. Figure 1. Estimated number of people who used drugs at least once in 217 and prevalence in Indonesia aged between 1-59 years-old by selected drug type 2,, 1. 1,5,.8 Number of es mated drug users 1,, 5, Cannabis herb Methamphetamine Ecstasy Tramadol Alprazolam (i.e. Xanax) Diazepam (i.e. Valium) Amphetamine Number of es mated drug users Prevalence (%) Barbiturates Prevalence (%) 32 Source(s): BNN, National Survey on Drug Abuse among Drug Users 217.

47 INDONESIA Drug supply indicators Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs in Indonesia, * Drug type Unit * Crystalline methamphetamine Methamphetamine powder kg , ,42.2 2,63 7, ,878.6 kg 3.97 Amphetamine kg Ecstasy tablets 1,165, ,311 1,995,24 1,731,745 3,12,679 96,726 Ecstasy powder kg Barbiturates tablets 181 9,571 7, ,21 264,17 93,893 Benzodiazepines tablets 46,87 356,631 1,247, ,86 64,962 49,136 Cannabis herb kg 17, ,542 8,87 15,7 151,67.9 4,582 Cannabis plants Plants 534,829 92,481 11,815 2,171,841 25,78 13,83 Cocaine g Heroin kg Ketamine kg Synthetic cannabinoids kg Note: * Data cover the first nine months of the year. = Not reported Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Indonesia; BNN, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Indonesia, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with BNN, February 219. Figure 2. Methamphetamine-related arrests in Indonesia, Number of arrests 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Source(s): DAINAP; Official communication with BNN, February 219. Table 3. Retail prices of selected drugs in Indonesia in USD, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine per g * Ecstasy per tablet * Amphetamine per g 3 3 Ketamine per g 77 Cannabis herb per kg Heroin per g Cocaine per g Note: : Not reported. * The lower end prices were reported during the first quarter of 217 and the high end prices were reported between second and fourth quarter of the year. Indonesia reported prices with a conversion ratio of 1 USD = IDR 13,5. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 216 and 217 for Indonesia. Figure 3. Number of illicit amphetaminetype stimulants manufacturing facilities dismantled in Indonesia, * Number * Methamphetamine Uniden fied ATS or ecstasy Note: * Data cover the first nine months of the year. Source(s): DAINAP. Table 4. Typical purities of crystalline methamphetamine in Indonesia, (Percentage) Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Source(s): DAINAP. 62 (6 8)

48 Global SMART Programme 219 Figure 4. Top 1 NPS identified in seized materials* analysed in Indonesia, Figure 5. Total number of NPS cases and amounts seized in Indonesia, Number of samples AMB-FUBINACA 5F-ADB ADB-FUBINACA PMMA 5F-AKB-48 5F-PB-22 Ethylon Mexedron 5-MeO-MiPT 5F-AMB TFMPP 1-Benzylpiperazine Note: *Excluding ketamine. Source(s): BNN, Samples submitted to BNN s laboratory, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Number of cases/ Total weight (kg) Number of cases Total weight Source(s): Directorate General of Customs and Excise, New Psychoactive Substances, presented at the WCO Catalyst 2 Training Workshop, Seoul, the Republic of Korea, April 218. Table 5. Seizures of selected NPS by substance in Indonesia, (Grams) Type of NPS Chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) Khat 33,48 AMB-FUBINACA 9,959 5-Fluoro-ADB 1,982 ADB-FUBINACA 518 Ketamine 1,19.7 8, Fluoro AKB AB-FUBINACA 24.5 N-Ethylpentylone 2 5-fluoro-ADBICA 14 Unidentified synthetic cannabinoid 1,876.4 Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).1 Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV).3 Total 1, , ,695.8 Source(s): Directorate General of Customs and Excise, New Psychoactive Substances, presented at the WCO Catalyst 2 Training Workshop, Seoul, the Republic of Korea, April ,6,7 5 The graph has been developed based on seized NPS materials analysed by the BNN laboratory. 6 The graph has been developed based on NPS seizures and cases exclusively made by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of Indonesia. 7 The table has been developed based on seizures exclusively made by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of Indonesia. 34

49 JAPAN JAPAN Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine Methamphetamine continues to account for the largest proportion of the total number of drug related offences, about 75% annually in recent years (see figure 3). Japan remains an attractive target for methamphetamine traffickers due to the highest price of the drug in East and South-East Asia. Significantly increased amounts of methamphetamine were seized over the last two years, driven by major trafficking cases involving large quantities of the drug being trafficked by sea (see figure 5). There has been a noticeable change in geographical sources of methamphetamine found in Japan. In terms of the number of trafficking cases, South-East Asia was the primary embarkation point for methamphetamine seized in the country. In addition, Taiwan Province of China has become an important source since 216. Preliminary data for 218 shows the same trend (see figure 4). Ecstasy 1 The size of the ecstasy market in Japan is limited according to its national drug use survey. However, available data indicates that drug use has increased since 215 (see figure 1). New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) The smuggling and use of NPS remains a concern, though data on use, seizures, and related arrests indicate decreases in the availability of NPS in the illicit drug market (see figure 7). Synthetic cannabinoids continue to account for the largest proportion of the total number of NPS reported from the country. A relatively large-scale manufacturing facility for synthetic cannabinoids was dismantled in Japan in Other drugs Data on use, arrests and seizures point to increases in cannabis use in Japan (see figure 1). This trend may have been driven by decreases in the availability of NPS in the country according to Japanese authorities. 3 1 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 2 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan Part II, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August National Police Agency (NPA), Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

50 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Japan, Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Ecstasy Cannabis NPS Note: = Increase, = Decrease, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): UNODC Annual Report Questionnaires (ARQ) Japan 217 and previous years; MHLW, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan Part II, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and corresponding reports presented at 216 and 217 SMART Regional Workshops; National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), 217 Nationwide General Population Survey on Drug Use in Japan, March 218 Figure 1. Estimated number of people who have used drugs once in their lifetime in Japan, 215 and 217 Figure 2. Number of drug-related consultations at health centres in Japan, * Es mated number of users 1,4, 1,2, 1,, 8, 6, 4, 2, Cannabis herb Methamphetamine Ectasy NPS Source(s): NCNP, 217 Nationwide General Population Survey on Drug Use in Japan, March 218; MHLW, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan Part II, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Number of consula ons 25, 2, 15, Note: Data for each year in Figure 2 represent data collected during the period of April 1 March 31 based on the fiscal year of Japan. Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (MHLW), December 218. Drug supply indicators Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs in Japan, * Drug type Measurement * Crystalline methamphetamine kg , , Ecstasy tablets 2, ,74 5,122 3, Cannabis herb kg Cannabis resin kg Cocaine kg Heroin kg Opium kg * Note: Data cover the first half of the year. Source(s): UNODC ARQ Japan for 217 and previous years; NPA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with NPA, January

51 JAPAN Figure 3. Number of drug-related arrests by the National Police Agency of Japan, , Figure 4. Proportion of embarkation points of methamphetamine trafficking to Japan by number, Number of arrests 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, Methamphetamine Cannabis Other drugs South Asia Africa Europe North America South-East Asia Taiwan Provice of China China and Hong Kong, China Source(s): NPA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and corresponding reports presented at 216 and 217 SMART Regional Workshops; NPA, Drug Control in Japan, presented at the 42 nd Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies for Asia and the Pacific (HONLAP), Bangkok, Thailand, October, 218. Source: NPA, Drug Control in Japan, presented at the 42 nd Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies for Asia and the Pacific (HONLAP), Bangkok, Thailand, October, 218. Table 3. Retail prices of selected drugs in Japan in USD, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine Per gram Ecstasy Per tablet Cannabis herb Per gram Heroin Per gram Note: = Not reported. Source(s): UNODC ARQ Japan for 217 and previous years; NPA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Figure 5. Seizures of methamphetamine by mode of trafficking in Japan, Figure 6. Proportion of NPS reported by Japan by substance group, * 1,5 1,2 23% Synthe c cannabinoids Synthe c cathinones Other substances 34% Phenethylamines Seizures (kg) Sea passenger/crew Interna onal mail Commercial cargo Air passenger Source: Japan Customs, Summary of Japan Customs Enforcement in 217, February % 2% 3% 3% 5% 12% 17% N = 333 Tryptamines Phencyclidine-type substances Plant-based substances Piperazines Aminoindanes Note: Data as of 28 October 218. Source(s): UNODC Early warning advisory on NPS. 37

52 Global SMART Programme 219 Figure 7. Number of cases and arrestees related to NPS in Japan, * 1,2 1, Number Number of cases Number of arrestees *Note: Data for each year in figure 1 represent data collected during the period of April 1-March 31 based on the fiscal year of Japan. Source: NPA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Japan, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous corresponding country reports presented at past SMART Regional Workshops. 38

53 LAO PDR LAO PDR Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine Record amounts of both tablet and crystalline form of methamphetamine were seized in Lao PDR in 218 (see table 2). According to expert perception the use of crystalline methamphetamine increased in 218 (see table 1). Over the last five years, there has been a two-fold increase in both the number of drug-related arrests and the number of drug-related cases (see figure 1). Lao PDR remains as a major transit for methamphetamine originating from the Golden Triangle destined for other countries in the Mekong sub-region. Neighbouring countries of Lao PDR, including Thailand and Viet Nam, have noted increasing flows of methamphetamine trafficked through border areas with the country in recent years. 1 Lao PDR is also a significant transit country for chemicals used in the manufacture of drugs in the Golden Triangle area. Seizures of unspecified chemicals, 2 in recent years remain at high levels (see table 2). Ecstasy 3 The level of ecstasy use in Lao PDR is unknown, and no seizures of the drug have been reported from authorities. New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) There have been no reports of trafficking or use of NPS in Lao PDR, and it remains the only country in South-East Asia that has not reported identification of any NPS. 4 Other drugs Lao PDR remains a major producer of opium in the region, despite the area under cultivation being significantly less than that of Myanmar. 1 According to the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) of Thailand, seizures of methamphetamine tablet along the border with Lao PDR increased more than two times between 216 and 217, reaching 11 million tablets in the latter year. ONCB & Safe Mekong Coordination Centre (SMCC), Overview of Drugs Situation in the Golden Triangle & Mekong Region, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August The Government of Lao PDR does not provide types of chemicals seized in the country, in part due to their limited forensic capacity. However, it appears that methamphetamine tablet powder and caffeine, a major methamphetamine tablet ingredient, are major types of chemicals seized in the country based on photos of chemical seizure cases shared by national authorities with UNODC. 3 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 4 UNODC, early warning advisory on NPS. 39

54 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trend in use of selected drugs in Lao PDR, * Drug used in the past year Methamphetamine tablets Crystalline methamphetamine Cannabis herb Opium Heroin Note: * Based on expert perception provided by Lao National Commission for Drugs Control and Supervision (LCDC). = Increasing, = Decreasing, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP) Drug supply indicators Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs and chemicals in Lao PDR, Drug type Unit Methamphetamine tablets tablets 15,83,355 3,832,895 6,331,692 2,849,414 1,19,643 21,36,45 Crystalline methamphetamine kg ,841.5 Cannabis herb kg 5, , , , Cocaine kg Heroin kg Opium kg Unspecified chemicals* kg , , , ,16.3 Note: *Include precursor chemicals; = Not reported Source(s): DAINAP; LCDC, Report of illicit drug seizures for 218 and corresponding reports from previous years; Official communication with LCDC, February 219. Figure 1. Number of cases and arrests for drug-related offences in Lao PDR, , Figure 2. Seizures of unspecified chemicals, , 5, Number 4, 3, 2, 1, Number of cases Number of arrestees Seizures (kg) 4, 3, 2, 1, Source(s): DAINAP, LCDC, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Lao PDR, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam, August 217; LCDC, Report of illicit drug seizures for 218 and corresponding reports from previous years; Official communication with LCDC, February 219. Source(s): DAINAP; LCDC, Report of illicit drug seizures for 218 and corresponding reports from previous years. 4

55 LAO PDR Table 3. Average wholesale or retail prices of selected drugs in Lao PDR, 217 Drug type Unit Price (USD) Methamphetamine tablets tablet 2 Crystalline methamphetamine kg 18, Heroin Per 35 g 8,5 Opium kg 1,8 Cannabis herb kg 125 Source(s): LCDC, Country report of Lao PDR presented at the 5th ASEAN Drug Monitoring Network Operational Workshop, 6-1 March 218, Bangkok, Thailand. 41

56 42 Global SMART Programme 219

57 MALAYSIA MALAYSIA Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine The illicit drug market in Malaysia has been rapidly shifting from heroin to methamphetamine. In 217, the number of methamphetamine users, who were brought into formal contact with authorities, in the country exceeded users of opiates for the first time (see figure 1). The average wholesale and retail prices of methamphetamine tablets and crystalline methamphetamine have been continuously decreasing in the country. (see table 4). In recent years, the scale of methamphetamine trafficking targeting Malaysia has been intensified, evidenced by decreases in the number of methamphetamine related cases but increases in quantities of the drug seized. 1 (see figure 4 and 5). Ecstasy 2 There are strong indications of the ecstasy market expansion in the country. Both seizures and the number of dismantled manufacturing facilities for the drug have been increasing in recent years (see figure 3 and table 3). 3 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) The most commonly used NPS in Malaysia continue to be ketamine and kratom according to the expert perception. It is imperative to note that seizures of kratom have been on a steep rise in recent years in the country (see table 3). The growing popularity of the drug at the global level may have contributed to the increase. Other drugs National authorities have noted increases in the non-medical use of nimetazepam 4, commonly sold as Erimin 5 5, which is illicitly manufactured. Large quantities of the drug have been sourced from China and Taiwan Province of China. 6,7 1 The number of methamphetamine manufacturing facilities dismantled in the country has decreased in recent years. By October 218, Malaysian authorities seized seven clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories, and all of them were reported to be small-scale. 2 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 3 In 217, Malaysian authorities dismantled an illicit ecstasy manufacturing facility, which was resulted in a seizure of 16 litres of 3,4-MDP2P (PMK). 4 In Malaysia, nimetazepam is a commonly abused sedative and is used as a substitute for heroin. It is also increasingly used by methamphetamine users to facilitate a come-down after excessive use. 5 The licit production of Erimin has been discontinued since Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), Malaysia country report on drug issues 218, presented at the 28 th Anti-Drug Liaison Officials Meeting for International Cooperation (ADLOMICO), Busan, September For more information in nimetazepam, please see Global SMART Update vol.18, Non-medical use of benzodiazepines: a growing threat to public health?, September

58 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Malaysia, * Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Methamphetamine pills Ecstasy Amphetamine Benzodiazepines Cannabis herb Heroin Ketamine Kratom Note: * Based on expert perception provided by the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA), Malaysia. = Increase, = Decrease, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP); UNODC Annual Report Questionnaire (ARQ) 217 and previous years for Malaysia; Official communication with NADA, February 219. Figure 1. Number of people brought into formal contact with authorities for drug use in Malaysia by drug type, , Figure 2. People who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in Malaysia by age group, , 44 Number of people 1, 5, Crystalline methamphetamine Opioids Methamphetamine tablets 216 Cannabis 217 Other ATS* Other drugs** Note: * Incudes amphetamine and ecstasy. ** Mainly composed of ketamine and benzodiazepines. Source(s): DAINAP; NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August, 218. Source(s): DAINAP; NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August, 218. Table 2. Drug treatment admissions by drug type and gender in Malaysia, 217 Drug type New admissions All admissions Male Female Total Male Female Total Crystalline methamphetamine 7, ,248 9, ,419 Methamphetamine tablets 3, ,262 4, ,366 Ecstasy Amphetamine Heroin 5, ,66 9, ,154 Cannabis ,36 3 1,66 Benzodiazepines Ketamine Total 18, ,181 25,788 1,33 26,821 Source(s): DAINAP; NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August % 3% 24% 13 to 18 years old > 4 years old 19 to 39 years old

59 MALAYSIA Drug supply indicators Table 3. Seizures of selected drugs in Malaysia, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine Liquid methamphetamine kg 1,76.5 1, , , ,851.8 lt/kg 41.8 lt 539.2kg 429 kg kg and 92.9 lt Methamphetamine tablets a tablets 524, , , , ,334 2,512,444 Ecstasy b tablets 395, ,72 47,475 2,763 1,764, ,366 Ecstasy powder kg Ketamine kg Heroin kg Benzodiazepines tablets / kg 365,274 tablets 467,133 tablets 4,38,733 tablets 1,891,852 tablets 2,756,552 tablets kg Cannabis herb kg , , , ,894.8 Cocaine kg Codeine lt 6,99.2 1, , ,616 37,263.9 Kratom leaf kg 9, , , , , ,564.8 Kratom liquid lt 45, , ,421 89, ,525.9 Opium (raw and prepared) kg c 816,938 1,287,472 56,279 39,979 13,944 Psychotropics tablets/ kg.8 kg tablets tablets tablets tablets tablets Note: a Figures reported other than the number of tablets are converted into estimated pill equivalents at 1 mg per tablet. b Figures reported other than the number of tablets are converted into estimated tablet equivalents at 3 mg per tablet c Reported as less than 2 grams of opium seized. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for Malaysia; NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Figure 3. Number of illicit drug manufacturing facilities dismantled in Malaysia by drug type, * Figure 4. Number of methamphetamine tablet related cases and seizures, * 4 3,, 25, Number of facili es dismantled * Methamphetamine Ecstasy Heroin Benzodiazepines Ketamine Others Note: * Data cover the first ten months of the year. Source(s): DAINAP; NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August, 218 and previous country reports presented at past SMART regional workshops; Royal Malaysian Police, Precursor Chemicals in Malaysia, presented at the High-Level Regional Precursor Conference, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar, November 218. Seizures (number of tablets) 2,5, 2,, 1,5, 1,, 5, * Seizures Cases 2, 15, 1, 5, Note: * Data cover the first nine months of the year. Source(s): DAINAP; NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August, 218. Number of cases 45

60 Global SMART Programme 219 Figure 5. Number of crystalline methamphetamine related cases and seizures, * Number of cases 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, * * Cases Seizures 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Seizures (kg) Table 5. Typical purities of selected drugs in Malaysia, 218 Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Number of samples analysed 2,2 Purity (%) 75 (4 8) Ecstasy 2, 15-4 Heroin (No.3) 25,65 3 (1 5) 75 Ketamine 1,1 (7 85) Source(s): NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Note: * Data cover the first nine months of the year. Source(s): DAINAP; NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August, 218. Table 4. Trends in wholesale / retail prices of selected drugs in Malaysia in USD, Drug type Unit Methamphetamine tablet Crystalline methamphetamine per tablet per kg 45,6 28,8 16,-26,8 16,8 12, Ecstasy per tablet Heroin (No.3) per kg 7,2 4,74 3,744-4,368 5,88 2,667 Ketamine per kg 8,4 4,8 6,-1,8 1,8 12,72 Cannabis per kg Source(s): DAINAP; NADA and Royal Malaysian Police, Latest situation on synthetic drugs responses to the threats in Malaysia, presented at the Global SMART Programme regional workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous country reports presented at past SMART regional workshops; Official communication with NADA, February

61 MYANMAR MYANMAR Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine The number of methamphetamine related treatment admissions as well as the expert perception on drug use trends show the expansion of the methamphetamine market in the country (see table 1 and figure 1). In recent years, several trafficking cases involving substantial quantities of the drug originating from Myanmar have been reported from countries in East and South-East Asia, South Asia, and in Oceania. 1 Flows of foreign transnational organized crime groups to Shan State, Myanmar, have become a great concern in the country. 2 This trend appears to have led to increases in the production of and trafficking in methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs, such as ketamine. Excluding Shan State, Rakhine State accounts for the largest proportion of methamphetamine tablet seizures in 218. This points to persistent and large westward flows of methamphetamine tablets out of the country, in particular into Bangladesh (see table 3). Ecstasy 3 Demand for ecstasy remains limited in the country, and there has been no sign of increasing use of the drug in recent years. There are indications that small-scale ecstasy manufacture has been taking place in the country, evidenced by seizures of ecstasy and other drugs from trafficking cases as well as at a clandestine laboratory and a drug storage facility dismantled in New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) The illicit manufacture of ketamine has also been observed in the country 5, and the amount of the drug seized in 218 is larger than the combined amount of the drug seized since 24. The use of the kratom 6 leave is widely reported in the southern part of Myanmar. Significant amounts of kratom continued to seize in the country. Other drugs Heroin continues to account for a large majority of treatment admissions and its use level indicated to have increased in recent years (see table 1 and figure 1). 1 For more information, please see the regional chapter for methamphetamine in this report. 2 The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC), Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam, August MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 4 CCDAC, Drug situation in the Golden Triangle area, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August CCDAC, Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a large tree found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of South-East Asia. 47

62 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trend in use of selected drugs in Myanmar, Drug type Heroin Opium Methamphetamine tablets Crystalline methamphetamine Cannabis Note: * Based on expert perception provided by CCDAC, Myanmar. = Increase, = Decrease, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC Annual Report Questionnaires (ARQ) Myanmar for 217 and previous years; Official communication with CCDAC February 219. Figure 1. Number of people admitted to drug treatment centres in Myanmar by drug type, Figure 2. Proportion of persons admitted to drug treatment centres in Myanmar by age group, 217 8, 7, 6, 19% 5% Number of persons 5, 4, 3, 2, Methamphetamine Opiates* Other drugs , 6 < Note: * Include opium and heroin. Source(s): DAINAP; CCDAC, Myanmar country presentation, ONCB Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous country reports presented at past Regional SMART Workshops % N = 7,536 Source(s): CCDAC, Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Drug supply indicators Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs in Myanmar, Drug type Unit Methamphetamine tablets tablets 1,187,14 12,65, 49,95, 98,353,463 74,1,667 16,72,365 Crystalline methamphetamine kg , ,17.5 2,877.5 Methamphetamine powder a kg Ecstasy tablets 2,388, ,882 2,686 Heroin b kg ,99.1 Opium kg 2,357. 1, , ,829. Cannabis c kg

63 MYANMAR Kratom kg ,833.9 Ketamine d kg ,36.2 Note: = Not reported, * Data as of September 218. a Methamphetamine for processing into methamphetamine tablets. b Reported as heroin No.4. c Combined herb and resin. d Figures reported lt were converted into kg with the ratio 1 lt = 1 kg. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC Annual Report Questionnaires (ARQ) Myanmar for 217 and previous years; CCDAC, Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; CCDAC, Myanmar country report, presented at UNODC 42 nd Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific (HONLAP), Bangkok, Thailand October 218; Official communication with CCDAC February 219. Figure 3. Drug related arrests and number of cases, , 15, Number 1, 5, Cases Arrestees Source(s): DAINAP; CCDAC Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; CCDAC, Myanmar country report, presented at UNODC 42 nd Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific (HONLAP), Bangkok, Thailand October 218; Official communication with CCDAC February 219. Table 3. Proportions of seizures of selected drugs in Myanmar by state, 218 State Methamphetamine tablets Crystalline methamphetamine Heroin Ketamine Shan Rakhine 3.8 Other states Source(s): CCDAC, Myanmar country presentation, presented at the UNODC Mekong Drugs and Precursor Trafficking Route Analysis Workshop, Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam. April, 218; Official communication with CCDAC February 219. Table 4. Seizures of selected precursor chemicals in Myanmar, Drug type Unit Ephedrine Kg Pseudoephedrine a tablets 35,88, 19,452, 12,72, 1,192, 3,91, 45, Phenylacetic acid lt , P-2-P lt 4,8 3,298 Acetic anhydride lt 55. 1, , Caffeine Kg 13, , , ,885 2,759.4 (bulking agent) Note: = Not reported; a The amount of pseudoephedrine found in tablets varies. Source(s): DAINAP; CCDAC Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; CCDAC, Myanmar country report, presented at UNODC 42 nd Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific (HONLAP), Bangkok, Thailand October 218; Official communication with CCDAC February

64 Global SMART Programme 219 Table 5. Retail prices of selected drugs in Myanmar in USD, Drug type Unit Methamphetamine tablet tablet Crystalline methamphetamine g Ecstasy tablet Cannabis herb kg (retail) Note: = Not reported Source(s): DAINAP; CCDAC Synthetic drug situation in Myanmar, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with CCDAC, February

65 PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine Crystalline methamphetamine remains the primary drug of concern in the Philippines, as the drug accounts for overwhelming majority of the total number of drug treatment admissions over the last five years (see figure 1). In addition, there are indications that the number of female methamphetamine users has increased in recent years (see figure 2). There has been a steep rise in the number of drug-related arrests in the Philippines, primarily due to intensified law enforcement activities focused on methamphetamine (see figure 4). Despite the heightened law enforcement measures, seizures of large-scale illicit methamphetamine manufacturing facilities, as well as trafficking involved with several hundreds kg of the drug have been continuously reported in recent years (see table 2 and 3). In addition, sources of methamphetamine trafficked from oversea into the country appear to have diversified. 1 Ecstasy 2 Philippine authorities seized an ecstasy manufacture facility in 218 for the first time since the monitoring of trends started 3 in In addition, synthetic tablets containing MDMA in combination with methamphetamine and others, known as Fly high, have been continuously seized in the country in recent years. 5 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is limited in the Philippines according to the expert perception. 6 National authorities have noted the increasing availability of Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GBL), sold as liquid ecstasy, in the country. 7 Other drugs The Philippines has been increasingly targeted for trafficking of cocaine by sea, and relatively large quantities of the drug have been seized in recent years (see table 2). 1 For instance, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported UNODC to have seized nearly 36 kg of the drug perceived to have shipped from Malaysia is in August 218. In recent years, there has been no major methamphetamine trafficking case connected to other South- East Asian countries reported from the Philippines. In addition, there are indications of increasing methamphetamine flows from the United States to the Philippines, mostly by parcel post. During the first half of 218, national authorities detected 27 parcel posts, resulted in seizures of nearly 9 kg of the drug according to PDEA. 2 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 3 The UNODC Global SMART Programme was initiated in Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) & Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Ibid. 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid. 51

66 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in the Philippines, Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Benzodiazepine Cannabis herb Inhalants Note: * Based on expert perception provided by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). = Increasing, = Decreasing, = Stable, = Not reported. Source(s): Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP); UNODC Annual Report Questionnaire (ARQ) 217 and previous for the Philippines; Official communication with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), October 218. Figure 1. Proportions of crystalline methamphetamine related treatment admissions among all treatment admissions, , 7, Figure 2. Methamphetamine related treatment admissions by gender, , 5, Number of admissions 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 83.5% 91.2% 96.7% 92.4% 88.5% Number of admissions 4, 3, 2, 1, 168 2, ,74 4,878 5, ,246 1, Propor on of crystalline All admissions methamphetamine related Note: Some of the treatment crystalline admissions methamphetamine related admissions include admissions for polydrug use. Source(s): DAINAP; DDB and PDEA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Male Female Source(s): DAINAP; DDB and PDEA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Figure 3. Proportions of drug treatment admissions in the Philippines by age group, % 11% > 19 years old 2-39 years old < 4 years old 66% N = 4,45 Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ Philippines for 217; DDB and PDEA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

67 PHILIPPINES Drug supply indicators Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs and precursor chemicals in the Philippines, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine Liquid methamphetamine kg ,21.5 1, lt , Ecstasy tablets 52 3,599 2,92 21, ,713 Benzodiazepine tablets , Cannabis herb kg 1, ,32.4 1, Heroin kg 2. Cocaine kg GHB lt 3.1 a Pseudoephedrine kg Ephedrine kg Note: = Not reported. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for the Philippines; Official communication with DDB, February 219. Figure 4. Number of drug-related arrests in the Philippines by drug type, * 3, 25, 95% 97% 93% Number of arrests 2, 15, 1, 5, 84% 89% 96% * Crystalline methamphetamine Other drugs Note: * Data cover the first nine months of the year. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ 217 and previous years for the Philippines; DDB and PDEA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with DDB, November

68 Global SMART Programme 219 Table 3. Number of illicit methamphetamine facilities dismantled in the Philippines, Source(s): DAINAP; DDB &PDEA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with PDEA, February 219. Table 4. Retail prices of selected drugs in the Philippines in USD, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine per gram Ecstasy per tablet Cocaine per gram Cannabis herb per gram Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC ARQ Philippines for 217 and previous years DDB &PDEA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam August 217. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Country Report, presented at the 1 st meeting of the AIPA Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD), Singapore, June 218 and previous country reports presented at past Regional SMART Workshops; Official communication with PDEA, February 219. Table 5. Purities of selected drugs analysed in the Philippines, Crystalline methamphetamine % 64.5% (6.4 99%) Ecstasy 38.6% Source(s): UNODC ARQ Philippines for 217; DDB &PDEA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Philippines, presented at the Regional SMART Workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam August 217; Official communication with DDB, November

69 REPUBLIC OF KOREA REPUBLIC OF KOREA Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine Seizures of both forms of methamphetamine - tablets and crystalline - reached record highs in the Republic of Korea in 218 (see figure 3 and table 3). In recent years, crystalline methamphetamine trafficked from South-East Asia and Taiwan Province of China have increased while crystalline methamphetamine trafficked from China has significantly decreased (see figure 4). The domestic manufacture of methamphetamine remains a concern in the country. Cold tablets containing pseudoephedrine are mainly used for manufacturing, as limited quantities of the substance can be purchased over the counter. 1 Ecstasy 2 The market for ecstasy in the Republic of Korea is insignificant compared to methamphetamine according to expert perception. However, both the number of trafficking cases and quantities of the drug seized in recent years have risen in recent years. 3 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) The Republic of Korea continues to be affected by the transiting of khat, mainly destined for the United States. 4 Synthetic cannabinoids account for the largest proportion of the total number of NPS identified in the country (see figure 6). Other drugs Heroin and cocaine are not commonly used in the Republic of Korea. Increasing quantities of cocaine trafficked to the country in recent years were primarily destined for other countries, including Australia and Hong Kong, China, and Macau, China. 5 1 In response, in May 218, the Government of Republic of Korea launched an integrated system to monitor all entities dealing with pharmaceuticals containing narcotic and psychotropic substances. 2 MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 3 For instance, the Korean Customs Service reported to have detected 53 ecstasy trafficking cases in 217, which is much larger than in 215 (8 cases) and in 216 (3 cases). 4 According to the Korean Customs Service, there was a total of 49 cases of khat trafficking, amounting to 657 kg of the drug in For instance, Korean authorities seized 64 kg of cocaine destined for China in October 218; Korean Customs Service, official press release, Trends in illicit drug trafficking and responses in 218, January

70 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in the Republic of Korea, * Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Cannabis herb Other narcotics Note: * Based on expert perception provided by the Supreme Prosecutors Office (SPO) = Increase, = Decrease, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): UNODC Annual Report Questionnaire (ARQ) 217 and previous years for the Republic of Korea; Official communication with SPO, August 213; Official communication with SPO, October 214; Official communication with SPO, February 218. Figure 1. Number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities in the Republic of Korea by drug type, , 8, Number of people 6, 4, 2, Psychotropic substances Cannabis Narco cs Source(s): SPO, White paper on illicit drugs-related crime for 217, and corresponding previous reports; SPO, Monthly report on illicit-drug related crime for October 218, December 218; Official communication with SPO, February 219. Table 2. Number of people admitted to drug treatment centres in the Republic of Korea, , 7 Drug type Psychotropic substances Cannabis Narcotics Total Source(s): SPO, White paper on illicit drugs-related crime, Seoul, August 215; Official communication with SPO, May 216; Official communication with SPO, October Synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD and NPS, are categorised as psychotropic substances according to the Government of Republic of Korea. 7 Drugs that have a natural constituent plant, such as opiates and cocaine are categorised as narcotics according to the Government of Republic of Korea.

71 REPUBLIC OF KOREA Drug supply indicators Table 3. Seizures of selected drugs in Korea, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine kg Methamphetamine tablets a tablets 3,997 2,818 2,383 7,811 28,7 94,867 Ecstasy b tablets 1, ,69 2,293 9,393 Cannabis herb kg Cannabis resin kg Cannabis seed kg Synthetic cannabinoids kg Cocaine kg 1.2 c c Heroin g Raw opium g Khat kg 3, Note: a Figures reported other than the number of tablets converted into estimated tablet equivalents at 9 mg per tablet; b Figures reported other than the number of tablets converted into estimated tablet equivalents at 3 mg per tablet c Reported as less than 2 grams of cocaine seized. Source(s): UNODC ARQ Republic of Korea for 217 and previous years; SPO, White paper on illicit drugs-related crime, Seoul, August 218 and previous years; SPO, Synthetic drug situation in the Republic of Korea, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with SPO, February 219. Figure 2. Seizures of crystalline methamphetamine in the Republic of Korea, Seizures (kg) Source(s): UNODC ARQ Republic of Korea for 217 and previous years; SPO, White paper on illicit drugs-related crime for 217, and corresponding previous reports; SPO, Monthly report on illicit-drug related crime for October 218, December 218; SPO, Synthetic drug situation in the Republic of Korea, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with SPO, February 218. Figure 3. Number of people brought into formal contact with authorities for supplying drugs in the Republic of Korea by drug type, Number of people 4, 3,5 3, 2,5 2, 1,5 1, Psychotropic substances Cannabis Narco cs Source(s): SPO, White paper on illicit drugs-related crime for 217, and corresponding previous reports; Official communication with SPO, February

72 Global SMART Programme 219 Figure 4. Proportions of embarkation points for crystalline methamphetamine seized in the Republic of Korea, Propor on (%) China & Hong Kong, China Taiwan Province of China South-East Asia North America Others Note: Embarkation points do not necessarily mean source countries. Source(s): SPO, White paper on illicit drugs-related crime for 217, August 218, and corresponding previous reports; SPO, Synthetic drug situation in the Republic of Korea, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Figure 5. Number of blocked and deleted websites for circulating illicit drugs in the Republic of Korea, Number 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Source(s): SPO, White paper on illicit drugs-related crime for 217, August 218. Table 4. Purities of crystalline methamphetamine samples analysed in the Republic of Korea, Drug type No. of analysed samples Average Minimum Maximum % 71.4% 98.5% % 9.1% 98.5% % 9.5% 98.5% Source(s): SPO, Synthetic drug situation in the Republic of Korea, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and the corresponding report presented at the SMART Regional Workshop for 217; Official communication with SPO, February 219. Table 5. Retail prices ofselected drugs in the Republic of Korea in USD, Drug type Unit Crystalline methamphetamine Per gram ( ) Ecstasy Per tablet 7.4 ( ) Cannabis herb Per gram 49.3 ( ) ( ) 89.1 ( ) 77.1 ( )) 8 ( ) Heroin Per gram Note: = Not reported; Figures reported in Korean won were converted with the ratio as of 15 January 219 (1 KRW =.89 USD). Source(s): UNODC ARQ 216 and 217 for the Republic of Korea; SPO, Synthetic drug situation in the Republic of Korea, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with SPO, February

73 REPUBLIC OF KOREA Figure 6. Proportions of NPS identified in the Republic of Korea by substance type, * Synthe c cannabinoids 36% 21% Synthe c cathinones Phenetylamines Trypatamine 15% Others Piperzines 3% 4% 6% 6% 9% Plant-based substances Phencyclidine-type substances N = 67 Note: *Data accessed on 25 October 218 Source(s): UNODC, early warning advisory on NPS. 59

74 6 Global SMART Programme 219

75 SINGAPORE SINGAPORE Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine Since 212, the number of people arrested for methamphetamine use has increased every year in Singapore. In addition, methamphetamine use accounted for the largest share (8%) of the total number of people who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities for the first time in 217 (see figure 2). Seizures of crystalline methamphetamine have increased since 214 while the retail price of the drug has decreased with no significant change in the average purity of the drug (see table 4). Ecstasy 1 In recent years, the use of ecstasy and the average purity of the drug found in the country has increased. Given that the country s ecstasy market is predominantly supplied from neighbouring countries, this may indicate increased availability of precursor chemicals for the drug in the region. New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Various NPS have been identified in synthetic drug tablets sold as ecstasy in Singapore. Fentanyl 2 was also identified in ecstasy tablets seized in the country in recent years. 3 Both the number of NPS related cases and the number of drug samples containing NPS have increased rapidly in the country. 4 Other drugs The number of heroin users arrested in the country has decreased every year since 213 (see figure 1). Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trends in use of specific drugs in Singapore, * Drug type Methamphetamine # # # # # Ecstasy # # # Cannabis herb # # # # 1 MDMA may not be a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in Singapore. 2 Although fentanyl is not an NPS, it was included in the section, as its analogues and other synthetic opioids pose major NPS related challenges in recent years at the global level. 3 Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) & Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Singapore, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Ibid. 61

76 Global SMART Programme 219 Heroin Ketamine # Nimetazepam Cocaine # # 1 Note: *Expert perception provided by CNB. = Increase, = Decrease, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (DAINAP); UNODC Annual Report Questionnaires (ARQ) 217 and previous years for Singapore; Official communication with the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) in August and September 213; Official communications with CNB, November 214. Table 2. Drug treatment admissions by drug type in Singapore, Drug type Methamphetamine Amphetamine 1 1 Ecstasy Buprenorphine Cannabis Heroin Ketamine Benzodiazepines Total* 1,364 1,139 1,213 1,263 1,152 Note: * Figures include other unspecified drugs. = Not reported Source(s): DAINAP; Official communication with CNB, September 213; Official communication with CNB, November 214. Figure 1. Trends in people who use methamphetamine or heroin brought into formal contact with authorities, Number of people 2,5 2, 1,5 1, Methamphetamine Heroin Source(s): DAINAP; CNB, Drug situation report 217, February 218, and previous years; CNB, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Singapore, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Figure 2. People who use drugs brought into formal contact with authorities for the first time by drug type, Methamphetamine Cannabis Heroin Ecstasy Benzodiazepine Ketamine NPS Source(s): CNB, Drug situation report 217, February 218; CNB, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Singapore, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

77 SINGAPORE Table 3. Number of people who use drugs admitted to treatment centres by gender and drug type, 217 Drug type Male Female Total Methamphetamine Ecstasy 8 8 Cannabis Heroin Benzodiazepines 2 2 Ketamine 4 4 Unclassified / other drugs Total ,152 Source: DAINAP Drug supply indicators Table 4. Seizures of selected illicit drugs in Singapore, * Drug type Unit * Crystalline methamphetamine Methamphetamine tablets kg tablets 22, ,233.5 Ecstasy tablets 7,327 3,874 2,943 3,891 4,744 3,218 Cannabis herb kg Heroin a kg Ketamine kg Benzodiazepines tablets 62,943 17,682 33,686 19,55 19,58 5,195 Cocaine g 4,11 b ,75 LSD stamp c Buprenorphine (Subutex) tablets Synthetic cathinones tablets / g 18 and.1 g 2,444 and 49.9 g 957 and 3.3 g 219 and 1.6g 26 and 7.6g 452 and 114 and 13 and 1 and 25 and Synthetic cannabinoids tablets / g g g 13.5 g g 7,849.5g Note: * Data for 218 cover the first nine months and are provisional. = Not reported. a Refers to Heroin No. 3. b Reported as less than 1 grams of cocaine seized c Some of these stamps contain NBOMe and other NPS. Source(s): UNODC ARQ Singapore for 217 and previous years; DAINAP; Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Drug situation report 217, February 218, and previous years; CNB, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Singapore, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with CNB in November

78 Global SMART Programme 219 Figure 3. Number of NPS identified from drug samples analysed by the Health Sciences Authority in Singapore by substance group * 6 Figure 4. Top 1 NPS identified in Singapore by substance, Synthe c cannabinoids Synthe c cathinones Number of samples * Piperazines Plant-based substances Tryptamines Designer benzodiazepines Phenethylamines Phencyclidine-type substances, including ketamine Synthe c opioids Others 5 5-Fluoro-MDMB-PINACA 5-Meo-MiPT 5-Meo-MiPT 5-Fluoro-EDMB-PINACA Ethylone Ethylone Dibutylone Cumyl-4CN-BINACA Cumyl-4CN-BINACA E zolam E zolam THJ-221 THJ-221 AMB-FUBINACA AMB-FUBINACA Fluoro-MDMB-PICA 5-Fluoro-MDMB-PICA Source: HSA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Singapore, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Note: * Data cover the first half of the year. Source: HSA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Singapore, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous years. Figure 5. Top 1 NPS identified in Singapore by substance, 218* Number of samples Fluoro-MDMB-PINACA E zolam MMB-FUBINACA 5-Fluoro-EDMB-PINACA Dibutylone N-Ethylpentylone PMMA BEC Mitragynine 5-Fluoro-MDMB-PICA Note: * Data cover the first half of the year. Source: HSA, Latest situation on synthetic drugs and responses to the threats in Singapore, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

79 THAILAND THAILAND Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine A sharp rise in seizures of methamphetamine, by quantity, in both tablet and crystalline forms was observed in Thailand in 217 and 218. Notably, the seizures of methamphetamine in 218 were larger than the combined amounts of seizures reported between 215 and 217 (see figure 2). 1 The Government of Thailand estimates that 85 % of crystalline methamphetamine trafficked to the country is destined for other countries. 2 The use of methamphetamine has been rapidly expanding from.14% in 27 to.95% in 216 (past-year prevalence). 3 Ecstasy 4 The use of ecstasy is limited in the country. However, the proportion of women admitted for using the drug in recent years has been higher in comparison to other drugs (see table 3). 5 The average purity of ecstasy tablets (over 5% of MDMA) found in the country remains high (see table 6). 6 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) The use of synthetic NPS 7 is not widespread in Thailand. However, non-medical use of ketamine is increasing in the country. 8 Kratom 9 remains the most widely used drug in the country, according to the latest drug use household survey. 1 In January 218, there was a seizure of fentanyl departing from Phuket, Thailand, and destined for Canada in January Other drugs According to experts perception, heroin use has increased since 214. This is consistent with the increasing number of people admitted for heroin use at treatment facilities in the country. 1 Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Thailand Drug Situation, presented at the 42 nd Head of Law Enforcement Meeting for Asia and the Pacific (HONLA), Bangkok, Thailand, October ONCB Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August ONCB, Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 217 SMART Regional Workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam, August 217; Saingam, Substance Abuse Poly in Thailand: Current Challenges and Future Strategies, Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research, Vol 7, MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 5 DAINAP. 6 ONCB, Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Synthetic NPS excludes ketamine and plant-based substances. 8 ONCB, Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August Kratom is a substance derived from mitragyna speciosa and produces both stimulant and sedative effects. 1 In particular, liquid extracted from kratom mixed with other substances, including benzodiazepines, cough syrups containing codeine, and soft drinks, known as 4x1 is a major form of the drug used among youth. 11 Bilateral meeting with the Canada Border Service Agency in October

80 Global SMART Programme 219 The non-medical use of tramadol in the country has been increasing, in particular among youth. 12 In response, the Government has amended the Drug Act to limit the distribution of the drug to patients older than 17 and to dispense not more than 2 capsules or tablets at a time. Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Thailand, * Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Methamphetamine pills Ecstasy Ketamine Cannabis herb Heroin Kratom a Note: * Based on expert perception; = Increasing, = Decreasing, = Stable, = Not reported; a Refers to its liquid form. Source(s): DAINAP. Table 2. Drug treatment admissions in Thailand by drug type, Drug type Methamphetamine 269,14 197,82 11,36 13, ,847 Ecstasy , Cannabis 14,34 13,36 8,72 15,26 14,616 Cocaine Heroin 2,634 2,994 3,691 3,767 3,383 Inhalants 2,957 7,33 1,787 1,693 1,456 Ketamine Kratom a 9,789 5,687 1,727 5,327 6,828 Opium 2,888 3,191 3,691 3,165 3,841 Total 31, , ,28 172,518 25,147 Note: a Includes users of kratom in leaf and liquid form. = Not reported. Source(s): DAINAP Table 3. People who underwent treatment services for drug use by gender and by drug type, 217 Drug type Male Female Total Methamphetamine 158,36 14, ,847 Ecstasy Cannabis 14, ,616 Heroin 3, Opium 2, Cocaine Kratom 6, ,828 Inhalants 1, ,456 Source(s): DAINAP ONCB, Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 217 SMART Regional Workshop, Hanoi, Viet Nam, August 217.

81 THAILAND Drug supply indicators Table 4. Seizures of selected drugs in Thailand, Drug type Unit Methamphetamine tablets Crystalline methamphetamine tablets 113,, 112,91, 18,3, 93,7, 24,51, ,146,57 kg 1, ,17 1, ,161 8, ,441.4 Ecstasy b tablets 18,324 31,381 11,467 8,87 8,433 23,47 Cannabis herb kg 28, , , , ,997 Cocaine kg Heroin kg ,85.4 Ketamine kg Kratom leaves kg 4, , ,97 91,6.2 97,993 5,422.7 Kratom liquid lt. 16, , , ,88.6 4, ,961.3 Note: = Not reported. b Ecstasy tablet seizures converted into estimated kg equivalents at 1 tablet = 3 mg. Source(s): DAINAP; ONCB, Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with ONCB, January 219. Figure 1. Number of drug-related cases and arrests, , Figure 2. Seizures of methamphetamine tablet and crystalline methamphetamine in Thailand, , 4, 5 15, Number 3, 2, 1, Seizures (million tablets) , 5, Seizures (kg) Methamphetamine tablet Crystalline methamphetamine Arrests Cases Source(s): DAINAP; ONCB Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous years. Source(s): DAINAP; ONCB Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous years; Official communication with ONCB, January

82 Global SMART Programme 219 Map 1. Top 1 provinces for methamphetamine tablet seizures in Thailand, January-October 218 MYANMAR Chiang Rai Chiang Mai Phayao Lampang LAO PDR Sukhothai Nakhon Phanom Andaman Sea THAILAND Singhburi Phra Nakhon Si Ayu haya Pathumthani Bangkok CAMBODIA Gulf of Thailand Over 12 million Between 2 and 4 million Less than 2 million MALAYSIA The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Source(s): ONCB Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218 and previous years; Official communication with ONCB, December

83 THAILAND Table 5. Purities of selected drugs analysed in Thailand, January-May 218 Number of samples analysed Typical purity range (%) Proportion of samples within the typical purity range (%) Methamphetamine tablets 1, Crystalline methamphetamine 776 > 9 91 Ecstasy Ketamine (powder and crystalline form) 97 > 9 88 Heroin Cocaine Source: ONCB, Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Table 6. Retail prices of selected illicit drugs in Thailand by region in Thai Baht, 218 Drug type Northern Central North-eastern Southern Bangkok Methamphetamine Tablet (per tablet) Crystalline methamphetamine (per.6 gram) Ecstasy (per tablet) Heroin (per gram) Cannabis herb (per kg) ,2-1,5 4-1,5 2,-3,5 1,5-2,5 8-1, ,5-1,7 5,-12, 15,-18, 8,-1, Ketamine powder (one dose) Note: = Not reported; Data cover the first quarter of 218; As of October 218, 1 US dollar is approximately 32.7 Thai baht. Source: ONCB, Synthetic drug situation in Thailand, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

84 7 Global SMART Programme 219

85 VIET NAM VIET NAM Summary of major trends and emerging concerns Methamphetamine The use of methamphetamine continues to increase in the country, in particular among its youth population according to expert perception. 1 The number of newly identified people who use drugs indicate that methamphetamine has become the preferred drug (see figure 3). 2 Large quantities of methamphetamine perceived to have originated from the Golden Triangle have increasingly been traffiked through the country s northwest border. 3 Ecstasy 4 Ecstasy manufacturing facilities have been continuously seized in the country, and in 217 authorities dismantled a large-scale clandestine laborary. 5 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Both the types and quantities of synthetic cannabinoids found in the country have been on the rise in recent years (see table 2 and figure 6). Since 216, large quantities of khat has been seized in Viet Nam, indicating the country s increasing role as a major transit location for khat trafficking. As a result, seizures of the drug reached a record high in 217 (see table 2). The illicit manufature of ketamine was reported in the country in 217, and four more illicit laboratories of the drug were dismantled by the end of August Other drugs Heroin remains the primary drug of concern in Viet Nam, and continues to account for a large majority of registered drug users annually (see figure 2). 1 Standing Office of Drugs and Crime (SODC), Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August SODC, Viet Nam, County report Viet Nam, presented at the 15 th meeting of the AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD), Singapore, June SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with SODC, February MDMA could be not a main substance for some of ecstasy tablets sold as ecstasy in the country. 5 In July 217, Viet Nam authorities seized 4 kg of ecstasy tablets, 85 kg of MDMA together with some quantities of safrole in Hanoi; SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August

86 Global SMART Programme 219 Key facts and figures Drug demand indicators Table 1. Trends in use of selected drugs in Viet Nam, * Drug type Crystalline methamphetamine Methamphetamine tablets Ecstasy Cannabis herb Heroin Opium Note: *Based on expert perception provided by SODC. = Increase, = Decrease, = Stable, = Not reported Source(s): Drug Abuse Information Network for Asia and the Pacfiic (DAINAP). Figure 1. Number of registered drug users in Viet Nam, * 25, Figure 3. Types of drugs used by newly registered drug users, * 1 72 Number 2, 15, * Note: * Data cover the first eleven months of 218. Source(s): DAINAP; SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with SODC, February 219. Figure 2. Registered drug users in Viet Nam by drug type, 218* 152,226 3,236 3, ,647 4,557 31,956 Heroin Undetermined** Synthe c drugs Poly drug users Cannabis herb Unspecified other drugs Cocaine Note: * Data cover the first half of 218. ** SODC has noted that users in the undetermined category did not inform authorities what drug they were using. SODC has informed UNODC that a large porportion of them were either methamphetamine or NPS users. Source(s): SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218. Propor ons (%) * Heroin Methamphetamine and others, including unspecified drugs Note: * Data cover the first half of 218. Source(s): SODC, Increasing drug flows and production in the Golden Triangle, presented at the.high-level Conference on Transnational Organized Crime in Lao PDR and the Mekong Region, Viantiane, Lao PDR, November 218. Figure 4. Registered drug users in Viet Nam by age group (percentage), 218* < 16 years old 16-3 years old > 3 years old Note: * Data cover the first eleven months of the year. Source(s): SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218; Official communication with SODC, February 219.

87 VIET NAM Drug supply indicators Table 2. Seizures of selected drugs in Viet Nam, * Drug type Unit * Methamphe-tamine tablets Crystallline methamphetamine Cannabis herb tablets 332, , , , ,487 1,363,495 kg ,755.7 kg 332 kg of fresh and kg of dried 442 4, kg of fresh and kg of dried kg of dried Cocaine kg Heroin kg , ,584.4 Ketamine kg Opium kg Khat Kg 5,6 2,5 NPS (XLR-11, synthetic kg cannabinodis) a Note: * Data cover the first eleven months of 218. a Data as of June 218. Source(s): DAINAP; UNODC Annual Report Questionnaire (ARQ) Viet Nam for 216 and previous years; SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218, and previous country reports presented at past Regional SMART Workshops; Official communication with SODC, February 219. Figure 5. Number of drug-related cases and arrests in Viet Nam, * Number 4, 35, 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, * Arrests Cases Note: * Data cover the first eleven months of 218 Source(s): DAINAP; SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218, and previou country reports presented at past Regional SMART Workshops; Official communication with SODC, February 219. Figure 6. Synthetic NPS* identified in Viet Nam by substance group, ** Number Synthe c cannabinoids Synthe c cathinones 5 Tryptamines Phencyclidine-type substance Phenethylamines Note: * Excluding ketamine and plant-based substances; ** Data cover the first half of 218. Source(s): SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218, and previous country reports presented at past Regional SMART Workshops

88 Global SMART Programme 219 Table 3. Purities of selected drugs analysed in Viet Nam (percentage), 217 Drug type No. of analysed samples Minimum Maximum Average Methamphetamine tablet Crystalline methamphetamine Ecstasy Heroin Ketamine Source(s): SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218, and previous country reports presented at past Regional SMART Workshops. Table 4. Wholesale and retail prices ofselected drugs in Viet Nam in USD, 217 Drug type Wholesale Retail Methamphetamine tablet* 2 per tablet 4 per tablet Crystalline methamphetamine 11,-13,5 per kg per g Ecstasy 6 per tablet 8 per tablet Heroin 6,9-7,5 per 35 gram (1 block) per g Cannabis herb 8 per kg 1 per g Ketamine 17,-18, per kg 35 per g Note: * The Government of Viet Nam noted that the price was for the drug coming from the Golden Triangle, and did not include the price for the drug coming from China. Source(s): SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218, and previous country reports presented at past Regional SMART Workshops. Table 5. List of synthetic NPS* identified in Viet Nam, ** Number Substance group Substance name 1. JWH AMB-Fubinaca 3. AB-Fubinaca 4. 5-Fluoro-AKB AB-Pinaca Synthetic cannabinoids 6. AB-Pinaca-N-Fluoropentyl 7. MA-Chminaca 8. ADB-Fubinaca 9. PB F-MDMB-PICA* CEC 12. MDPBP 13. Synthetic cathinones α -Ethylaminohexanophenone 14. Ethylone 15. N-Ethylpentylone* MeO PCP Phencyclidine-type substances 17. Tiletamine AcO-DMT 19. Trypatamines 4-HO-MET 2. 4-HO-DiPT APB Phenetylamines MAPB Note: * Excluding ketamine and plant-based substances; ** Data cover the first half of 218. Source(s): SODC, Synthetic drug situation in Viet Nam, presented at the 218 SMART Regional Workshop, Chiang Rai, Thailand, August 218, and previous country reports presented at past Regional SMART Workshops. 74

89 Contact details Global SMART Programme (East Asia) United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific United Nations Building, 3rd floor, Block B Rajadamnern Nok Avenue Bangkok 12, Thailand Global SMART Programme (Headquarters) United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Vienna International Centre P.O. Box 5 A-14 Vienna Austria UNODC would like to thank the following Governments for their financial contributions to the Global SMART Programme. AUSTRALIA CANADA CHINA JAPAN NEW ZEALAND REPUBLIC OF KOREA RUSSIAN FEDERATION THAILAND UNITED KINGDOM UNITED STATES