Synthetic Drugs in East and Southeast Asia: Latest Developments and Challenges

Cover Image, Synthetic Drugs in East and Southeast Asia: Latest Developments and Challenges 2025

The illicit manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs from the Golden Triangle have grown exponentially, according to a report released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The explosive growth has led to a record amount of methamphetamine seizures in East and Southeast Asia, totaling 236 tons, marking a 24 per cent increase compared to 2023.

“A record 236 tons of methamphetamine was seized in East and Southeast Asia in 2024. The seizure total marks a 24 per cent increase compared to the 190 tons of methamphetamine seized in the previous year. Southeast Asia collectively seized 94 per cent of the total, or 221.2 tons of the drug while East Asia accounted for only six per cent (14.4 tons), underscoring the immense volume of methamphetamine trafficked through Southeast Asia. This challenge is even more pronounced in the five lower Mekong countries — Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam — where combined seizures amounted to approximately 200 tons, representing 85 per cent of the regional total.”

“Synthetic drug trafficking groups operating in East and Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly agile and tech-savvy. They often set up front companies and operate through flexible, cell-based networks that outsource drug transport to local actors, such as drivers and fishermen, to minimize their exposure to law enforcement authorities. At the same time, it is increasingly noticeable that there is growing convergence between drug trafficking syndicates and other criminal groups, with the growing overlap in actors and operations across underground banking, illegal online casinos, and cyber-enabled scams.”