Furthermore, Ko-lin Chin argues that the current international policy of isolating Burma is counterproductive and dangerous. Without investment from Western countries and Japan, drug traders will have easy access to the mainstream Burmese economy, according to Ko-lin Chin. This policy allows them to “launder their drug money but also provides them with a legitimate front to cover or facilitate their drug activities.”
Ko-lin Chin has written an important and unique study which provides new information and insights. It is a must read for anyone interested in the drug trade and the Wa region. His findings and recommendations should be studied seriously by all policy makers dealing with the drug issue and ethnic politics in Burma.
Tom Kramer is a researcher with the Drugs & Democracy Project of the Transnational Institute (TNI).
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