Opium and heroin production in Southeast Asia

The significant reduction in opium cultivation and heroin production in Afghanistan could, if sustained, result in global shortages of opiates. A global shortage in opiates, including heroin, could result in upward pressure on the price of opium in the region, which would likely encourage a displacement of cultivation and production to Southeast Asia.

As such, developments in Southeast Asia will need to be carefully monitored in the coming years. Improving the economic situation and reducing insecurity and instability in the region will be critical to reverse a growing upward trend in drug production and trafficking.