VOA News reports on the rise of heroin addiction in jade mining areas along the Chinese border in Kachin State.
Corruption is rife in the region. Some law and mining officials illegally distribute the drug, which is largely smuggled in from neighbouring Shan state, according to Burma Campaign UK.
Amphetamine addiction is also on the rise. Heroin and amphetamines are readily available around internal refugee camps in the state, because of increased production by organized crime gangs and armed militia groups, including those allied with the military.