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From poppy to pill: A comprehensive strategy to combat illicit synthetic drug production in Southeast Asia

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  • Chao Wang
  • Nicholas Lassi

Abstract

The production of illicit synthetic drugs has undergone a significant shift from China to the Golden Triangle, profoundly impacting Southeast Asia's legal systems, drug enforcement and public health. This paper reviews the production, distribution and use of illicit synthetic drugs in the region, explaining their alignment with regulatory policies in China and Southeast Asia. The public health effects resulting from the increased production and use of synthetic drugs in Southeast Asia are reviewed, emphasizing the importance of public health protections such as harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation. This study also discusses legal mechanisms to enhance control over illicit drug activities, mainly compound‐wide legislative prohibitions targeting present and future fentanyl and methamphetamine analogues. Moreover, it underscores the urgency for collaborative efforts between China and Southeast Asian states to mitigate the influence of Chinese cartels operating in the region. By elucidating the multifaceted challenges posed by the shifting drug production landscape, this paper highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach encompassing regulatory, law enforcement and public health measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Chao Wang & Nicholas Lassi, 2024. "From poppy to pill: A comprehensive strategy to combat illicit synthetic drug production in Southeast Asia," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 36(1), pages 710-727, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:36:y:2024:i:1:p:710-727
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3835
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chao Wang & Nicholas Lassi & Xiaohan Zhang & Vinay Sharma, 2022. "The Evolving Regulatory Landscape for Fentanyl: China, India, and Global Drug Governance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-11, February.
    2. Le Cour Grandmaison, Romain & Morris, Nathaniel & Smith, Benjamin, 2019. "The last harvest? From the US fentanyl boom to the Mexican Opium Crisis," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 102974, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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