Pajau Media
4th December, 2024
The rising number of drug users in Mohnyin Township each year has led to an increase in robberies, resulting in greater hardships for the families of those struggling with addiction, according to local residents.
A 39-year-old woman remarked, "The prevalence of drug use is escalating daily. As I sweep in front of my home in the early morning hours, I observe individuals seeking drugs while dressed in shorts. They appear gaunt and bear sores, which is truly disheartening. Despite their families struggling to afford basic necessities, they still find the means to finance their drug habits. If payment is not made, these users resort to selling off everything within the household."
A former volunteer at the methadone distribution center stated that despite drug users receiving methadone at no cost from the public hospital, the situation remains unchanged, as they can still purchase and consume drugs whenever they have the financial means.
Individuals receive methadone at the hospital, and those with additional financial resources often purchase illicit drugs. Some of these individuals engage in the sale of methadone outside the facility, using the proceeds to acquire more drugs. The ability to obtain methadone during the Covid-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of a methadone market. Furthermore, I am hesitant to traverse the area where methadone is sold due to the frequent occurrences of robberies, as noted by the aforementioned volunteer.
The presence of numerous drug users and dealers in Mohnyin is concerning, and incidents of robbery persist. Nevertheless, the authorities have yet to implement effective measures to address these issues.
The issue of drug abuse is deteriorating annually, attributed to the ineffective administrative measures in the region. Moreover, residents report that families are increasingly struggling due to the prevailing political climate and escalating prices of essential goods.
It has been observed that individuals are openly purchasing and consuming drugs within the village, as no measures have been implemented to combat drug trafficking. Following the coup d'état, there has been a significant rise in the number of drug dealers, leading to an increase in drug users. Local residents report that in households with five men, at least three are likely to be drug addicts.
Comments