The region is home to one of the world’s largest synthetic drugs markets, which is dominated by the rising demand for meth, known locally as yaba or yama, according to researchers.
Asia’s growing methamphetamine problem means the drug is cheaper than a meal at Burger King in some countries, a UN study has revealed.
The report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime has laid bare the rising demand for synthetic drugs in East and Southeast Asia and Oceania, as transnational criminal gangs take advantage of relaxed border restrictions between different states.
The region is home to one of the world’s largest synthetic drugs markets, which is dominated by the rising demand for meth, known locally as yaba or yama, according to researchers.
Meth, also known as crystal, chalk, and ice, is a highly addictive stimulant which produces intense euphoria. Abuse can lead to extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, and skin sores caused by scratching.
Between 2008 and 2013, police seizures of meth have quadrupled, from around 11 tons in 2008 to 48 tons in 2013.
On top of this, the seizures of the crystal form of the drug have doubled in that time, to around 14 tons in 2013. Meanwhile, the confiscation of tablets has risen eight-fold, from 30million in 2008 to 250million in 2013.
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