Thailand destroyed US$600 million worth of drugs seized from illegal traffickers that included tons of amphetamines, heroin and cocaine, according to the nation’s Food and Drug Administration.

The narcotics incinerated on Monday (Jun 26) included 27 tons of amphetamines, 5 tons of cathinone, 275 kg of heroin, 43 kg of cocaine and 6 kg of opium confiscated in 192 different cases, the agency said. The haul was inspected by officials of various agencies before they were sent for burning, the Health Ministry said in a statement. 

Thailand is a major transit hub for drug trafficking along South-east Asia’s vast Mekong river valley. The region’s organised crime economy, including the illicit trade in drugs and wildlife, was worth an estimated US$130 billion in 2019, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes.

The narcotic haul was burnt in accordance with the guidelines of the US Environmental Protection Agency to ensure no harmful substances or byproducts were released into the environment, Thai FDA said. 

The agency broadcast live the burning of the drugs on its Facebook page to ensure transparency and accountability in the storage and destruction of seized drugs. BLOOMBERG