There has been a mushrooming growth in poppy cultivation in parts of Kachin State. Cultivation of poppy has become common in Sadung (sadon) and Kambaiti areas in eastern Kachin State bordering China's Yunnan Province, a source said.

The Sadon and Kambaiti areas are administered by the Burmese ruling junta, the KIO and the New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K).  About 90 per cent of Sadon residents are into cultivating poppy, said a resident in Sadon.

The people in Waingmaw go to work in the poppy fields and earn money while some have their own poppy fields, a resident in Waingmaw Township said.

Meanwhile, drugs addicts in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State have chosen U Byit village and Washong village to chase drugs, a resident in Myitkyina said.“Many drugs users can be seen entering Washong, mostly in summer. Now there are many drug traders in our village,” said a resident in Washong.

However, the Burmese authorities have not bothered to take action against drug addicts. Even if arrested the addicts are released after they hand out bribes. Drug addiction is rising in the town as a result, a resident added.