THAI ARMY DISRUPTS HEROIN TRADE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84B00049R001303230002-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 13, 2007
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: February 12, 1982
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release 2007/11/16: CIA-RDP84B00049RO01303230002-3
12 February 1982
SUBJECT: Thai Army Disrupts Heroin Trade
1. The Thai forces operating in the Thai corner of the
Golden Triangle have seriously disrupted narcotics trafficking
in the region, causing significant but probably only temporary
decreases amounts of opium processed and heroin exported. 25X1
2. The Thais have driven the Shan United Army (SUA) from
its headquarters at Ban Hin Tak near the Burmese border. The
Thai military presence, which reportedly is to be maintained
there for at least six months, is already discouraging drug
processing and trafficking in an area considerably greater
than that actually occupied.
3. In 1981, the SUA controlled 50 to 60 percent of the
narcotics trafficking in the Golden Triangle and was the
principal heroin exporter. Heroin from that region accounted
for 15 percent of the heroin smuggled into the US in 1980. A
considerable number of opium refineries are located near the
region occupied by the Thais, but on the Burmese side of the
border. While the Thai forces will not cross the border,
their presence eliminates the safehaven the traffickers use
when Burmese forces--also active in the region--threaten their
activities. Consequently, traffickers on both sides of the
border are expected to lie low as long as the Thais remain
The Thai action will have little impact on raw opium
production, most of which occurs in Burma away from the border
region. Production this year is expected to be about 600 tons,
the same as last year. Even an extended Thai occupation would
probably have little longer run effect on heroin exports from
the Golden Triangle, since the profitability of this trade will
provide a strong incentive for the SUA or other arouAs to
revive the operations at a safer location.
Approved For Release 2007/11/16: CIA-RDP84B00049RO01303230002-3