An interview with Mi Pako Jamper, coordinator of Mon Drug Policy Development Team, about the drug policy being drafted to address drug-related issues in Mon State.
The Mon Drug Policy Development Team is reportedly drafting a drug policy for Mon State, and a draft version is now ready to be presented to various contributing organizations this November.
The Mon drug policy development began in June 2021, aiming to establish enforcement measures for drug-related problems currently faced by Mon people, as well as to implement systematic awareness programs along a single policy direction.
The policy has been drafted incorporating input from local communities, various Mon organizations, and different departments, and will be presented to these organizations.
To learn more about the rising drug use among Mon youth, details of the drug policy, and the implementation process once the policy is approved, Independent Mon News Agency interviewed Mi Pako Jamper, coordinator of Mon Drug Policy Development Team.
Q: What is the current status of the drug policy being drafted?
A: We began working on the drug policy process in June 2021. Now it has been three years and 5 months since then. Throughout this period, we have been working based on input from various relevant departments and public voices, and now we’ve reached the finalization stage. After finalization, we plan to hold a seminar soon. Since we’ve drafted the policy based on the information gathered, we’re now at a stage where we can present it to those who have provided key input and perspectives during the policy-making process.
Q: What are the objectives of the Mon Drug Policy Development Team and how are you implementing this process?
A: Regarding objectives, drugs have been present in the Mon community for a long time. Based on the spread of drug use and trafficking, the public has been facing numerous problems. In addressing these issues, there have been awareness-raising efforts and early warning initiatives, as well as law enforcement arrests and legal actions. But because these approaches differ, finding successful and accurate solutions to problems has been delayed. We’ve also discussed this.
So, we realized the need for a guideline that would allow us to move forward together with the public on the same path, combining educational aspects, preventive awareness, and legal components. This led to the development of this policy. Once the policy is approved, we’ve drafted it so that it can be implemented by everyone – the public, regional administrators, and all related departments in Mon State. The main objectives are to address the health, social, and economic problems that people face due to drugs, to create a secure and developed community, and to establish communities that uphold human rights.
Q: How are you implementing this process?
A: Regarding drugs, their progression has been rapid. For instance, the situations between 2010 and post-2020 are quite different. Previously, we had heroin and amphetamines. Recently, we’ve seen new developments like Ice (crystal meth), ketamine, and various leaves. The progression has become faster. In the past, during civil society organizations’ discussions and educational events, we mainly emphasized the word “STOP.” What we found was that this wasn’t really a solution to the problem – it didn’t reach deep enough to help those affected by drugs. When it took the form of punishment and threats, we couldn’t solve certain problems.
Later, we changed our approach. Following global trends, instead of punishing drug users, we started viewing them as people suffering from chronic conditions. We aimed to create a treatment sector and bring them back into society through a new concept of “Don’t punish, support.” While collecting data on the ground, we shared with the public how other countries were approaching this issue and what paths they were taking. After hearing this concept, people also expressed their views on how it could work with the regional organizations in Mon.
In a nutshell, our approach involves going to the field and collecting data. We’re not just asking about their situations but also explaining how other countries are handling these issues – so we’re working with two approaches. Also, we need to enhance the capabilities of those helping us collect field data. For example, we’ve had them study approaches in the Karenni State. We’ve looked at how other countries are handling this, how Thailand’s reports analyze drug issues. By studying these and connecting global movements with local conditions, we’ve drafted our approach based on the data and feedback received.
Q: What did you find about drug use when collecting field data? Did they assist you with anything?
A: During the data collection, some people did reach out to us. Some parents reached out about their children using drugs and asked where to send them and what actions to take. Depending on each situation, we would either refer them to drug treatment centers, or in more severe cases, connect them with partner organizations in Yangon and transfer to them. In some cases, while collecting field data, the Mon Education Department contacted us for preventive education, which we provided.
Q: You mentioned there will be a seminar soon. If this policy is approved, what are the next steps?
A: We’ve estimated that it will take three years to implement this policy effectively. During these three years, we will focus primarily on prevention efforts and work in collaboration with health and education departments. We’ve planned to use these first three experimental years to help the public understand the policy through explanatory programs. Regarding enforcement, this can be coordinated with local administrative authorities. Since this policy is designed for our ethnic group, it will need to be presented and approved at the major conference (New Mon State Party Conference).
The policy’s concepts need to be explained in meetings about how they will be implemented. Since this policy was drafted based on the perspectives, suggestions, and input from relevant organization’s youth and the public, to make it effective and implement it practically, we need to collaborate with groups working on drug issues. The policy states that success in implementation will require cooperation with education and health sectors, monastic organizations, civil society organizations, community education groups, and relevant administrative authorities. However, regarding which aspects should be implemented and how, we’ll get clearer answers when we hold the seminar in the near future.
Q: Could you explain the current situation of drug use among youth, including women, for our readers?
A: During our field data collection, the number of young people using drugs remains high. It hasn’t decreased. Drugs have never been difficult to get. Despite the political situation and rising costs of other commodities, we’ve found that drugs remain easily accessible and affordable. No matter which region or what situation, these drugs are available. Before, WY (methamphetamine tablets) was commonly used domestically. Recently, we’ve observed people using leaf brews mixed with dangerous substances.
After we started drafting this policy and conducting awareness programs, we noticed a decrease in people mixing cough medicine with their leaf brews. Regarding women, some use drugs recreationally. Women tend to use amphetamines more frequently. One new development is the increased use of ketamine by women in bars and clubs. That’s also a type of drug. With the deteriorating political situation, bars and clubs have become more numerous in Mawlamyine city, and more young women are going there. Drug use hasn’t decreased. But, when collecting data, few people are willing to talk about it. I’ve noticed that both CSOs and journalists are not providing many updates or giving warnings enough.
Another aspect is the extent of drug use among Mon youth abroad. We accept that not everyone who uses becomes addicted. Some do become addicted. To what extent? We’ve seen cases at the New Mon State Party’s drug control and treatment center where people have been admitted after using Ice (crystal meth) to the point of losing control. Many of those receiving treatment have used Ice and WY pills. In 2021-2022, the center reported that they hardly had any space to accept new patients. Looking at this situation, we can see how widespread and prevalent drug use and availability have become.
Q: Finally, what would you like to say to young people about drugs during this current period of political instability?
A: Among everything, most people consider drugs to be bad, though some consider them good. In our studies, we found there are some beneficial aspects. It depends on how they’re used – if used with proper consideration, problems can be avoided. For example, when using the leaves without mixing with anything else, professors from Chulalongkorn University have reported in their findings that it can be medicinal if used properly. But, there’s also evidence showing it can be dangerous when mixed with other substances. If young people must use these substances, they should carefully consider how to avoid harm to themselves, and those who are already using should try to reduce their usage. Also, I want both young people and the public to be careful not to encourage those who haven’t started using drugs to begin using them.
Another point is that regarding claims about completely eliminating drugs – this isn’t possible. There’s no territory or country completely free of drugs. Drugs exist in every city and every country. However, what we can do is be vigilant in protecting ourselves and our environment. I want people to be careful and not careless about this. I believe it’s important for all citizens to participate both in drafting and approving these policies. Finally, if anyone in your family or environment becomes addicted to drugs, when treatment is needed, contact us or the relevant department as soon as possible. Being addicted to drugs is not something to be ashamed of or hide.
I want to say that when treatment can be provided in time at the treatment department, one can return to being a normal person. When we look at users, some experimented for fun. Some used due to work-related reasons. Some started using due to work pressure. Some used it as medication to relieve their illnesses or conditions. Due to excessive use in these situations, some experienced negative impacts on their finances. Since it becomes a necessity to use, one should self-reflect on how to use it in ways that minimize harm as much as possible.
Sent by IMNA.