NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPERS - EAST ASIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 24
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 5, 2002
• Sequence Number: 8
• Content Type: REPORT

State Dept. review completed
Approved For Release 2002/05/17: CIA-RDP78-00G 8000100100008-9
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPERS - EAST ASIA
Burma
Khmer Republic (Cambodia)
Hong Kong
Republic of Korea
Laos
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Republic of Viet-Nam
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For?jeleas llM/05MM01 RDP78-05092WOU'l00100008-9
BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
BURMA
1. Illicit Drug Problem
Most of Burmt`s opium is produced in and moved through
areas where the Burmese Government control is either very
tenuous or non-existent. Production, which is estimated
at between 400 and 600 tons annually, is concentrated in
mountainous areas of the Shan and the Kachin States where
the opium poppy has been grown for at least two centuries.
The Burmese Government is denied access to much of this
area by ethnic minority or Communist insurgent activities.
Opium production and trafficking is not only the principal
livelihood of many of the hill peoples. in those areas but
is also the major source of financial support for several
ethnic insurgent groups opposing the Burmese Governmen-:.
Our knowledge of the trafficking of opium from Burma
is limited by the difficulty of obtaining reliable infor-
mation on the remote areas of the country. It appears,
however, that the highland producers sell their raw opium
to itinerant merchants or to insurgent organizations. The
bulk of the opium is moved in large, well-protected mule
caravans to small processing plants along Burma's border
with Laos and Thailand. At least some of the opium is
refined into morphine or heroin before being distributed
throughout Southeast Asia. Many different, and often
opposing groups appear to be involved in the transport of
opium or in the protection of the caravans: these include
Chinese Irregulars (remnants of Kuomintang troops who.were
driven out of Yunnan in 1949-50), Shan and Kachin insurgent
groups, and freelance Shan Self-Defense Forces which are
sometimes.allied with the Burmese Government against
Communist, insurgents but which are not fully under the
d`pvernment's control.
We have no reliable information on drug abuse in
Burma. A United Nations survey team estimated in 3.964 that
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For&lease 2002/05/17: C1RDP78-00052RRQ001001000 U iA
there were 1.50,000 opium addicts in all of Burma and two or
three times that number of habitual opium users. Most of
the addicts are in the Shan or Kachin States where opium
has long been used by the hill peoples for medicinal
purposes. The abuse of heroin and morphine appear-to be
e:trcmely rare,. though there is marijuana use among some
Burmans and Indians in Southern Burma.
2. Dru Caritrol'fforts
The highest levels of the Burmese Government are
aware of and are becoming increasingly concerned about
the situation. During the past year, the government has
increased its efforts to introduce substitute crops among
the hill peoples and to harass and curtai'l trafficking
in areas under.-its control., Unfortunately, the Burmese
Government does not have the capability to undertake the
massive military efforts which would be necessary to
est~.iblish effective government control in the Shan and
Kachin States.
The Burmese Government adheres to a rigid policy of
non-alignment and minimizes its relations wit. the outside
world because of its sensitivity to foreign influences.
It is unlikely Burma will change this policy in the fore-
seeable future. Burma is a signatory of the Single Con-
vention on Narcotics Drugs, but has not worked closely with
the United Nations on narcotics matters. A UN survey team
has not visited Burma since 1964.
3. U.S. Programs
The United States has no drug control programs in
Burma. During the past year, our efforts have been directed
at opening channels of communication with Burmese officials
at all levels. Our discussions have established a good
working relationship between U.S. and Burmese officials,
~-Vc lud ing the highest levels of the Burmese Government. It
is hoped these continuing exchanges of views will convince
the Burmese of the worldwide concern about drugs and the
availability of assistance from several sources. Increased
Burmese 'acceptance of regional and United Nations assistance
and cooperation would strengthen its narcotics control
efforts.
3J Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For lease 2002/05/17: CIA-RDP78-000528 00100100(MUJ`
QUESTION: Can't the United States get the Burmese
to crack down on narcotics in Burma?
ANSWER: U.S. influence is very limited in Burma. Trade
between the U.S. and Burma is minimal and
our presence in the country low. There is
only one AID project, funded several years
ago and now in its final stages. There is
no U.S. Military Assistance Program in
Burma.
QUESTION: Could not the U.S. provide enough assistance
to give the Burmese a capability to control
opium producing and trafficking'.,,areas ?
ANSWER: Such a program would require large amounts
of military assistance over a long period
of time with no assurance of success. It is
unlikely the Burmese Government would ever
consider such a relationship with the U.S.
as it would be counter to their basic policy
of avoiding close ties with major powers.
QUESTION: Are Burmese officials involved in narcotics?
ANSWER: While there could well be corruption among
minor officials and military personnel on
the local level,-we have no indication the
Approved For R lea a 20t02/p5/17 ? CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
~iighes eo the government are implicated.
 Approved For Rel MZ?il'311 :r JA 1P .O0O52RP00100100008-9
EJRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
KHMER REPUBLIC (CAMBODIA)
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
As far as is known, Cambodia produces no opium
and processes no opium derivatives. Some marijuana is
grown, primarily for local consumption. Although
Cambodia has the potential to become a major route for
narcotics grown in the "Golden Triangle", it does not
serve as a transit poi.nt.for significant quanties at
present. Small-amounts of opium are consumed locally.
2. DRU, CONTROL EFFORTS
While Cambodia has laws which prohibit the pro-
duction, use, sale and transport of narcotics, the
internal problem has been negligible and consequently
little traditionally has been done to enforce these laws.
However, the government has become concerned at the
prospect that Cambodia could become a transit route
and has taken several steps to deal with this potential
problem. On July 23, 1971 a mixed committee from in-
terested ministries was established to coordinate all
government programs. Following this initial step, an
enforcement unit has been established which is directly
responsible to the Prime Minister Delegate. Current
efforts are being made to train and equip this organization.
3. U. S. PROGRAMS
U.S. assistance efforts are in an embryonic stage
but are moving rapidly. The BNDD Regional Office in
Bangkok is in close touch with the Cambodian authorities.
Consideration is being given to the provision of vehicles,
radios, and laboratory equipment. BNDD expects to provide
basic training for the enforcement unit, beginning in
March 1972. Additionally, English language training will
be given to. some Cambodian officials, and a system of
rewards for seizures will be established. In summary
th d Cambodian program is just beginning but is being carried
outs in a~spirit of cooperation and holds considerable
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 DEPARTMENT OF STA-
Approved For,Belease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-000524000100100008-9
BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
HONG KONG
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
No opium is grown in Hong Kong, but opium, morphine
base for use in heroin manufacture, and heroin itself
are imported illegally.. into the Colony. Opium grown in
the "Golden Triangle" area of Burma, Laos and Thailand,
along with morphine base and some heroin processed in
the "Golden Triangle" is funneled down through Thailand
and shipped to Hong Kong in Thai fishing trawlers. In
addition, a very significant amount of morphine base and
heroin is believed to be smuggled into the Colony by air
and on ocean-going vessels. Once in the Colony, much of
the morphine base is processed into heroin for local
consumption.
Hong Kong is believed to have a narcotics addict
population of 80,000 (some estimates go as high as
150-200,000) out of a total population of 4'million.
Some 10 - 25 percent of the addicts consume opium; most
of the rest smoke #3 heroin. Heroin is only rarely
injected. .
Hong Kong is also believed to have been used as a
distribution point for heroin throughout Asia and to
North and South America. The Colony's status as a free
port has proved advantageous to narcotics traffickers.
In addition, as an important financial center in Asia,
it is believed that Hong Kong is used as a repository
for much of the traffickers' capital.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The Hong Kong Government is carrying out an active
narcotics enforcement program. This effort is divided
between the Hong Kong Preventive Services (Customs) and
the Royal Hong Kong Police, Narcotics Bureau. Given the
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved ForRelease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052Z000100100008-9
HONG KONG
2.
open nature of commerce and transportation in the Colony,
the two services face tremendous difficulties, but their
programs, considered among the leading in Asia, resulted
in seizures of 13,500 lbs. of dangerous drugs in 1971, a
ten-fold increase over 1970.
The Hong Kong Government also conducts active
narcotics publicity campaigns. Moreover, it is active
in treatment and rehabilitation areas, including the
initiating during the last year of a pilot methadone
program. Hong Kong's rehabilitation programs have been
creating much.i.nterest,throughout Southeast Asia, and
many foreign officials from that area have visited the
Colony to study the facilities and programs..
3. U.S. PROGRAI'IS
Through representation in the Consulate General of
J3NDD and Customs agents, the USG maintains close liaison
with counterparts in the Hong Kong Government. There is
a continual exchange of information,, and many seizures
and arrests in the Colony have resulted from information
developed by US narcotics representatives there. The
Consulate General has recently submitted and-been
authorized to implement a Narcotics Control Action Plan
which stresses continued support to the HKG in its en-
forcement efforts, including close coordination and
provision of technical assistance and possibly training.
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For aelease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-0005 ,0001008
QUESTION: Is opium produced in Hong Kong?
ANSWER: No. However opium, morphine base, and heroin
are all illegally smuggled into the Colony
from the "Golden Triangle" in Thailand,
Burma, and Laos.
QUESTION: Are narcotics consumed in the Colony or are
they shipped elsewhere?
ANSWER: Both. It is estimated that there are at
least 80,000 addicts in Hong Kong, most of
whom smoke #3 heroin. Most of the others
smoke opium; very little heroin is injected.
Hong Kong is also believed to be a dis-
tribution point for shipment of narcotics to
other points in Asia and to North and
South America.
QUESTION: What are we doing about it?
ANSWER: Through close liaison between BNDD and Customs
representatives in Hong Kong and their
counterparts in the HKG, the US has been able
to contribute both information and technical
assistance which have led to important seizures
and arrests in the Colony.' The Hong Kong
narcotics programs are..considered among the
best in Asia and we look forward to continued
close coordination.
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
3/72
 Approved For liel&ade 12eOP305MlE:: 0005&900100100008-9
E3RIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Except for occasional efforts to cultivate opium
which are almost always detected and squelched by the
ROK Government, the raw material for narcotics is not
grown in the Republic of Korea. However the Indian
hemp plant, which is'a source of marijuana, is grown
in the ROK. The opium base used in the production
of morphine and heroin is smuggled into the ROK from
Thailand on vessels that call on Korean ports.
Processing of opium into morphine, and of morphine
base into heroin, is done on only a very small scale
in Korea, generally in isolated rural areas. Finished
heroin also comes into Korea by sea after being
processed in Hong Kong. There is no serious problem
yet regarding smuggling of heroin,-.morphine base, or
opium from the ROK to the U.S.
Barbituates and amphetamines are legally available
in Korean drug stores but the sale of LSD is prohibited
by ROK law. The U.S. troops in Korea constitute the
sole market for marijuana, a market which is now
increasing.
Generally conclusions by U.S. and ROK authorities
are that there is no illicit drug problem among Koreans
and that the problem among American military personnel,
although small, is increasing.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The ROK Government enacted a habit-forming drug
control law effective November 7, 1970. The law
prohibits the possession., use, and sale of marijuana
and dangerous drugs. Joint ROK-US drug investigation
teams have been formed and maximum investigative efforts
have been directed toward reducing illegal drug
trafficking throughout Korea. The ROK-US Status of Forces
Agreement (SOFA) Joint Committee has formed a Subcommittee
which is addressing the problem of the sale to, and use
by, American troops of narcotics and marijuana. ROK
cooperation with U.S. Forces is supplemented by joint
ROK-Japan efforts to control drug traffic.
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For,,&lease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052 p00100100008-2
Under the Narcotic Control Action plan for Korea,
U.S. officials in Seoul are now pursuing the immediate
goals of impressing upon ROKG officials the importance
of narcotics control and improving information flow
and policy coordination with them. An extensive
coordination program is underway by the Eighth U.S.
Army to upgrade Korean enforcement capabilities.
A special narcotics branch directly under the control
of the Provost Marshal supervises the narcotics
enforcement program in areas under its jurisdiction.
U.S. mail is being inspected on a regular basis.
Tentative plans are now under consideration for the
assignment to Seoul of a Bureau of Narcotics and
Dangerous Drugs officer to assist in these efforts.
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For?Jelease 2002/05/17: CIA-RDP78-000500100 @W-9
QUESTION: How serious is the narcotics problem in
Korea?
ANSWER: Narcotics is not an important factor in
Korean life. However, there is a small but
growing problem involving the use of narcotics
and dangerous drugs by some of the 43,000 U.S.
troops in Korea. So far, the problem has
been relatively minor and coordination between
the U.S. and ROK governments is helping to
keep it at this scale.
QUESTION: How are we working with the Koreans to control
this problem?
ANSWER: The ROK-US Status of Forces Agreement Joint
Committee has formed a Subcommittee which
is coordinating efforts to contrbl the sale
to, and use by, American troops of narcotics
and dangerous drugs. An extensive coordination
program is underway by the Eighth U.S. Army
to upgrade enforcement capabilities of the ROK.
QUESTION: Is there a major heroin problem in Korea?
ANSWER: No. So far, use of heroin has been
negligible.
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
3/72
 Approved For,geRaseF66~2%o /'F7NGIA 5PT -TIi
' UP00100100008-9
BRIEFING PAPER
NARCOTICS COUNTRY" PAPER
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Opium consumption and production have long been tolerated
in Laos. Hill tribes with no access to medical treatment have
used'it to relieve the symptoms of endemic diseases. It was
also the only cash crop for many tribes. In Lao society opium
addiction is regarded much like alcoholism is in American so-
ciety. Very little opium. is now grown in Laos; less than thirty
tons a year.` Most of the hill tribes which once produced it
have been displaced by North Vietnamese attacks. Nearly all
of that still being grown is consumed by the growers. There
is no evidence that significant amounts of Lao-grown opium is
entering the international traffic. Laos is a conduit for
,Burmese opium and opium derivatives, including heroin, however.
The illicit narcotics are brought into Laos by caravan in
the jungle covered Golden Triangle area, where the borders of
Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. Some is carried south into Thai-
land while the rest is smuggled by air-to Vientiane and other
urban areas enroute to Thailand or South Vietnam. Opium stocks
and caravans are protected by paramilitary bands. Communist
forces are also present in the area. Numerous "Uncontrolled
landing strips and non-scheduled aircraft movements facilitate
smuggling by air. Apparently, no heroin is now being refined
in Laos. A major refinery near the border was abandoned or
destroyed about the time Laos' first narcotics control law was
passed by the National Assembly on September 23, 1971.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The Narcotics Control Law makes any commercial transac-
tion involving opium or its derivatives illegal and for the
first time gives Royal Lao Government (RLG) law enforcement
agencies a legal basis for interdicting illicit traffic:- Strict
controls have also been placed on the importation and distribu-
tion of acetic anhydride, a chemical required in the heroin re-
fining process. Several seizures of opium, heroin and acetic
anhydride have been made and inspection procedures on domestic
and international air routes have been tightened up. In the
absence of laws forbidding narcotics trafficking, however, IRLG
law enforcement agencies had not been staffed, trained or equip-
ped to interdict the traffic. Therefore, since passage of the
law, the RLG has concentrated on establishing an equivalent of
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 LAOS
Approved For,Release 2002/05/17 CIA-RDP78-00052Rp00100100008-9
the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) to lead
and coordinate narcotics control.. It is headed by a mili-
tary officer who reports directly to the Prime Minister and
has jurisdiction over civilian and military enforcement ef-
forts. The Lao national police and customs agency have also
established special narcotics control units. Their opera-
tions are still rudimentary, but intelligence indicates that
the flow of opium and heroin through Laos has been seriously
curtailed.
3. U.S. PROGRAMS
The Narcotics Control Law was promulgated with the en-
couragement and advice of the U.S. Mission in Vientiane. Our
programs concentrate on assisting the RLG in establishing ef-
fective narcotics control agencies, primarily in the law en-
forcement area, but also in the field of rehabilitation for
Lao addicts. Narcotics enforcement advisors from the BNDD,
the Bureau of Customs and USAID's Public Safety Division have
.been assigned to the U.S. Mission. They are advising and
training their Lao counterparts in Vientiane and other key
points, including Ban Houei Sai in the Golden Triangle. An
American expert in narcotics rehabilitation is advising the
Ministry of Health on a pilot rehabilitation project. Specia-
lized equipment will be provided to the'new narcotics agencies
as their personnel are trained to use it. USAID has proposed
a $722,900 narcotics control project to support;.,the RLG effort
in FY 1973. 1
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 QUES'iWlovec ha' isa e~ng0 oneC oRcontgol~e m?ve0ment of nar-
cotics by air in Laos!
ANSWER Stringent cargo and baggage inspections are made
on aircraft operating under contract to the US
Government. The Chief of the Royal Lao Armed
Forces has issued a directive forbidding the move-
ment of narcotics. on Lao military aircraft. Con-
trols on Lao aircraft are not yet as effective as
we. and RLG enforcement agencies wish. The problem
is complicated by numerous non-scheduled flights
and uncontrolled airstrips. The enforcement pro-
gram is aimed in large part at plugging these
channels.
QUESTION: Is there any evidence of high level official col-
lusion with narcotics traffickers?
ANSWER. . There have been rumors of involvement by some in-
dividuals, but nothing which could be used in legal
action.
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For4elease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052ZP00100100008-9
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
MALAYSIA
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Malaysia does not constitute a major illicit drug
problem for us at this time. It is not a production area
for opium or for significant amounts of marijuana.
Malaysia is not'a prime area for trafficking of either
opium or marijuana. There is some smuggling of opium,
morphine base and heroin across the Thailand/Malaysia
border, the majority of which is for local consumption
rather than for transshipment to other areas.
Historically, opium has been abused by a small
percentage of the Chinese population but the abuse of
this drug is decreasing as the opium users die. There
have been indications during the past year of an increase
in the abuse of morphine base and heroin particularly in
the area of Penang City and Butterworth. Marijuana .:ias
been used for many years and there appears to be a t:-end
towards greater abuse by the younger generation. Th,.re
have been isolated cases of abuse of'stimulant and
depressant type drugs by school age youngsters but this
has not become a serious problem.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The Government of Malaysia is concerned about the
possible increase in drug abuse and has attempted to combat
the problem through the Customs Department and Royal
Malaysian Police. Customs has primary responsibility for
smuggling and more important types of narcotics violations.
The Government of Malaysia has cooperated with other countries
especially those in Southeast Asia. It is a member of
Interpol and a signatory of the United Nations Convention.
The GOM is considering establishment of a separate drug
agency which will improve narcotics control.
3. U. S. PROGRAMS
The United States has not had any narcotics programs in
Malaysia except the recent assignment of two Bureau of
Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (PNDD) representatives to the
country. A member of the Royal Malaysian Police on a United
Nations grant did attend BNDD training sessions in the US
during 1969-1970. Our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reports that
the concern of the GOM is evident and their cooperation is
excellent.
3/72 Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For. lease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-000528 00100100008-9
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
PHILIPPINES
The major drug produced in the country is marijuana. There
is no heroin production but it is available as are morphine, am-
phetau-ninEs and barbiturates. Until recently drug abuse has not
been considered a serious problem in the Philippines, but it has
been growing rapidly in the last two years among Philippine youth.
Philippine police officials estimate that 200,000 Filipinos regu-
larly use some form of narcotic or dangerous drugs, of whom 7,000
are opium and heroin addicts. US Navy and Air Force servicemen at
the large Clark and Subic Bases provide a continuing but modest
demand for almost all varieties of narcotics and dangerous drugs.
However, drug use by US military personnel and their dependents
in the Philippines is considerably smaller than that among US
Forces stationed elsewhere in SEAsia. Drug abuse is not believed
to be a major problem in the non-military American community in
the Philippines.
The GOP has recently begun to devote intense attention to the
drug abuse problem. Last year President Marcos organized an inter-
agency council on drug abuse prevention to coordinate the GOP's
drug abuse efforts. He has also urged priority enactment of legisla-
tion to replace antiquated laws; the proposed legislation would inter
alia impose stiffer penalties on drug traffickers. Although law
enforcement agencies have greatly increased their drug control
activities in the last two years, they are handicapped by lack of
trained personnel, funds, and logistical support.
3. US PROGR1\MS
The US Mission has established a Drug Abuse Prevention Organi-
zation. All elements of the Mission, including BNDD, and represen-
tatives of the military commands participate in the organization's
work. In addition to coordinating in-house American efforts, the
Mission has developed a program to provide assistance to the-GOP
in the drug abuse field, focusing on improving law enforcement and
intelligence capabilities in the areas near US bases. The various
military commands also have their own active drug abuse programs
focusing on testing, education, and treatment/rehabilitation. The
military commands are also working with the local communities to
restrict the supply to drugs in the areas around our bases.
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 DRIEFING PAPER
Approved Forease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-0005200100100008-9
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
S TNGAPORE
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Historically, narcotics in Singapore has been a
minimal problem as no production, refining or processing
take place in the Republic. (Opium was decreasingly used
by old China--born men. Marijuana was used by some Malays
and by some westernized Chinese youths.) Recent reports
suggest that Singapore may be developing into an inter-
national transshipment point, however.
2.. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The highest levels of the Singapore Government have
assured us of total GOS cooperation in anti-narcotics
efforts and welcomed the assignment of two BNDD agents in
Singapore. The GOS has pinpointed "ganja" (marijuana) and
"MX" pills (methaqualone) as the most commonly abused drugs
in the Republic and its anti-drug campaign has to date
targeted these drugs.
The Education Ministry is beginning a big drug infor-
mation campaign. In the health education syllabus for
secondary schools, drug abuse will be given major emphasis.
Topics on drugs are included already in primary school
syllabus. The Ministry has prepared a 13-page publication
distributed to teachers providing factual information about
major drugs of abuse and useful hints for communicating with
students about drug experimentation. Film shows and lectures
have been organized for school principals about drugs. The
Home ministry is encouraging the establishment of private
public service organizations offering counselling_service to
drug addicts and to coordinate with PTA
groups and other educational associations. Parents have
been warned by Home Ministry to pay more attention to their
children's activities and friends.
GOS is determined to prevent foreigners importing their
drug habits into Singapore. The GOS is even considering
setting up tests for suspected addict tourists including
urinalysis. Immigration already has,expelled one American
teenager for drug taking and the GOS is amending its immi-
gration law to provide for the expulsion of families of drug
takers as undesirable immigrants:.,
Singapore is organizing a separate narcotics bureau and
the Singapore Police continues intimate cooperation with the
Royal Malaysian Police. Singapore is not a signatory to the
Single Convention on narcotics drugs but is now preparing the
legal basis for accession to-the Convention.
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052Rp00100100008-9 2
3. U. S. PROGRAMS
Our Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
(BNDD) has two agents resident in Singapore. We
have given the Singaporeans literature and U-:S.
laws concerning narcotics and drug abuse. BNDD
has offered to train Singapore agents in Washington.
Singapore is now considering these offers and our
nnbassy there has indicated that the U.S. is
willing to be helpful as the new Singapore Narcotics
Bureau begins operation.
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For5elease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052. $000100100008-9
NARCOTICS COUNTRY PAPER
TEAII AND
1. Illicit Drug Problem
Thailand is significant in the illicit drug traffic
both h1s a source of opium (production may be as much as
200 tons per year) and as a conduit for opium, morphine
base or heroin from Burma and Laos. The cultivation of
opium poppies (illegal in Thailand since 1958) continues
in remote hill areas of north Thailand which are not u:ader
effective Thai Government control. There are reports of
small opium refineries in isolated areas of northern
Thailand along the borders of Laos and Burma. Opium
derivatives from the refineries in this tri-border area
move across Thailand by various means. From Bangkok
considerable quantities are sent by fishing trawlers and
other ships to Hong Kong. Thirty commercial airlines
serve Bangkok and it appears that some tourists and other
foreign visitors are involved in narcotic trafficking out
of Thailand. We also have reports that some U.S. military
personnel and ex-servicemen in Thailand have been smuggling
narcotics to South Vietnam, Okinawa and the United States,
in some cases through the APO system.
There are no reliable statistics on drug abuse in
Thailand. A United Nations survey estimated in 1958 that
there were over 100,000 opium users in Thailand. There
are indications that heroin and morphine use has increased
in recent years particularly among the ethnic Thai youth.
2. Drug Control Efforts
For some years the Thai Government has been engaged in
a major effort to settle the Meo hill peoples and to bring
them under control. Unfortunately, these RTG efforts
have been a major source of Meo resentment toward the Thai
anal have helped make the Meo receptive to Communist anti-
government propaganda and insurgency. In addition to
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 -2- THAILAND
Approved For- lease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-0005Z]1p001001TbG008-9-'
military efforts to put down the'Communist rebellion, the
Thai are trying to improve hill tribe welfare. Particularly
noteworthy is the interest of the King of Thailand in the
welfare of the hill peoples: he is assisting in the
developrfient of other cash crops as alternatives to the
opium poppy.
Enforcement efforts by the Thai Government are hindered
by the ii1ipossibility of controlling adequately a long and
mountainous border and the complexities of controlling
passenger and commercial traffic inside Thailand. In its
efforts to control narcotics trafficking, the RTG has
initiated a resettlement .program for the Chinese Irregular
Forces (CIF) under which the CIFs would turn over all their
opium stocks to the RTG and cease their involvement with
narcotics in return for land upon which to settle. Twenty-
six tons of CIF opium valued at nearly $1 million were
burned by the RTG in March 1972.
During the past year, the Thai have increased their
efforts in the drug field with U.S. and UN assistance. A
US/Thai Memorandum of Understanding wa8 signed in September
1971 providing for increased Thai enforcement capability
through U.S. assistance to Thai police and cust ' oms officials.
The Thai. also signed an agreement with the UN in December
1971 establishing a program to deal with the long-range
aspects of the drug abuse problem through crop substitution
and addict rehabilitation.
3. U.S. Fro' rams
After the US/Thai Memorandum of Understanding was signed,
a planning group was formed and has been negotiating specific
programs for implementation of the agreement. BNDD has
assigned agents in Bangkok and Chiang Mai while U.S. Customs
Service personn^1 are serving in Bangkok. Thai police have
recently moved to crack down on local traffickers and
several major Thai and American traffickers have been
arrested. A promising start has been made and programs
begun which have the potential to bring the drug problem %
under increasing control.
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 11' h a 11-.I N I)
QU#S T ] 81~ved For elteaa e a n o Ot5/1t7 the I~Pr 8 0005n 00n0~100~ 8 jha hand
and Burma? Are they smuggling opium?
ANSWER: These groups are now known as Chinese irregulars,
since the Government of the Republic, .of China
no longer has any control over them. Many of
therm have been engaged in the opium traffic
either in smuggling or in providing convoy
protection to the actual traffickers in areas
outside the effective control of the Lao,
Thai and Burmese governments. The Thai
Government has begun a CIF resettlement
program to get them out.-of the opium trade.
On March 7, 1972 26 tons of opium given to
the Thai in exchange for land was destroyed.
QUESTION: What about corruption by high Thai officials?
Are not some key generals and political
leaders working with drug traffickers?
ANSWER: Although this is frequently alleged, we have
no reliable evidence that it is so.
QUESTION: Is drug abuse a serious problem among U.S.
forces in Thailand as it is with our troops
in South Vietnam?
3/72 ?
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved ForWease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-0005200100100008-9
ANSWER: Drug abuse has not-been a serious problem
among U.S. forces in Thailand although there
apparently has been some increase in the use
of heroin and other serious drugs during the
r
past two years. Our military authorities in
I
Thailand have increased their enforcement
efforts and.have expanded their information
program on drugs among the units in that
country.
QUESTION: Should we cut off aid to the Thai Government
if the Thai do not cooperate with us in
attacking the narcotics trafficking problem?
ANSWER: The Thai Government has been cooperating
with the U.S. for a decade on this problem.
Since last fall, this effort has been increased
and a number of arrests have resulted.
Since our assistance is aimed at strengthening
the institutions of the Thai Government and
its ability to effectively control its
territory, cutting off that aid would hinder,
not help accomplish our goals in the narcotics
field.
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For ZeIL 6 N8/1lq 4kbPFt4a85 00100100008-9
REPUBLIC OF VIET-NAM
1. ILLICIT DRUG PROBLEM
Opium has been the drug of choice of Vietnamese and
Chinese addicts for years. The opium poppy is grown and
processed in Thailand, Laos, and Burma. Transportation
has been by various means and routes,overt when prosecu-
tion is lax and covert when active. Marijuana is grown
in parts of the Mekong Delta and its use has been common
since World War II,,particularly in French-influenced
circles. The country was self-sufficient until demand by
U. S. Forces outran supply. Significant imports probably
commenced in 1967 or 1968. Heroin was rare in Viet-Nam
until 1969 when it began to appear in large quantities in
Decerrtber. It enters the country much the same way as
opium and the traffic is probably carried out by the same
or similar organizations. Heroin traffic centered almost
exclusively on U. S. Forces although there is some evidence
that young Vietnamese are beginning to experiment with it.
Addiction among U. S. Forces personnel increased rapidly
and by the end of 1970 had developed into a first-rate
social crisis. LSD, amphetamines, and other hallucinogens
have been imported to meet demand by U. S. Forces, but
remain relatively unknown to the Vietnamese population.
2. DRUG CONTROL EFFORTS
The Vietnamese Government reacted quickly to tare emergence
of the serious drug problem and took more immediate steps
to control it than any other government in the region.
Key officials of Government, down to the provincial level,
are involved in anti-narcotics activities. Wholesale
transfers of police and customs personnel were made at
ports of entry. Perhaps of more importance, the will to
prosecute was evident as officials stepped up customs
inspections, raids on opium dens, and general harassment
of dealers and users. Real efforts were made to make
smuggling at Tan Son Nhut more difficult, which resulted
in a number of arrests. The U. S. and the GVN continue to
work closely on enforcement matters. President Thieu has
granted to Vice President Huong by decree, responsibility
for anti-corruption matters. Internationally, Viet-Nam
has adhered'to the 1961 Single Convention on narcotics
control. Encouraging as Viet-Nam's recognition of the
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9
 Approved For aelease 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-0005WO0100100008-9 2
problem and dynamic response may be, real progress of a
long-term nature is questionable. Smuggling is endemic
in the country and real control is unlikely. Nevertheless,
the price of hard drugs rose, as have complaints about the
difficulty of getting them into Viet-Nam.
Five 1NDD agents were sent to Viet-Nam to train. Vietnamese.
USAID cooperated with the Vietnamese Ministry of Health to
set up a joint Drug Abuse Commission and are establishing
a treatment center for Vietnamese addicts. American
intelligence on drug traffic is shared with Vietnamese
officials. U. S. customs-advisors have spearheaded the
effort to halt the flow of narcotics through Tan Son Nhut
airport.
The U. S. military has mounted a massive program to combat
what is recognized as an enormous threat to our country.
Every military man is tested for traces of drugs in his
system 48 hours before leaving Viet-Nam for the United
States. If traces are found. he is held over in Viet-Nam
five to seven days while the rehabilitation process is
begun. Efforts to prevent U. S. personnel from taking
narcotics from Viet-Nam have included frisks, detailed
searches, and examination of baggage of departing passengers
An amnesty program was effective in locating a number of
users. The drug user identification program now includes
random checks of military men throughout the country, as
well as the pre-departure check for traces. APO and other
transportation facilities have tightened procedures and
have had some useful results in interrupting the traffic.
3/72
Approved For Release 2002/05/17 : CIA-RDP78-00052R000100100008-9