EDITORIAL—June 26 is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

South Africa announced last week that 15 percent of its population had a drug problem. Addiction is especially high among youths where an increase in usage of more than 600 percent was recorded in the last 10 years. The country’s Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the issue was compounded by the common perception among youngsters that drug-taking is “cool, normal and acceptable.”

Although geographically far from Myanmar’s shores, South Africa too has undertaken a dramatic democratic transformation in recent years. With the fall of Apartheid came new freedoms and independence, one of which was drug-taking among teenagers. It only stands to reason that a similar phenomenon occurs in Myanmar.

We do not need to look farther than our neighbor, Thailand, where drug use is at alarming levels; teachers report kids as young as 11 taking methamphetamine pills. The problem has become nationwide—in the highlands, men traditionally waste away from smoking opium every day; in towns and villages marijuana is common while youngsters also like to take methamphetamines, or ya-ba, with alcohol, increasing their state of drunkenness and frequently leading to violent behavior. And in upper society, imported favorites such as cocaine and ecstasy are passed around openly at trendy parties.

As a new generation of Yangonites comes of age, it would be naïve not to believe that many will quickly subscribe to drugs.

The problems and complications of drug addiction are myriad: firstly it is conducted illegally and through criminal gangs. The profits are immense and organized gangs will assassinate each other for territorial control. Corruption invariably plays a role. Many unscrupulous people get rich while young urban kids pay the price—whatever the cost, they will end up paying every kyat they have to get more drugs. And when they have no money, they will steal, even from their own mothers.

Drug addicts are mostly men, but it is their parents, wives and children who suffer the most. Addicts are usually unable to work. They would rather lie in a stupor. Their effect on society and the economy at large is catastrophic.

That’s why we must act now. The recent ceasefire agreements with ethnic militias offer an opportunity to sever a dangerous link to drug production. Again I point east to Thailand, but as an example of good governance where decades of Royal projects have helped hilltribe villagers replace opium production with coffee, tea, fruit and other cash crops.

Myanmar authorities must undertake projects such as this, and more. We must get behind the 15-year Drug Elimination Project and localized courses conducted by the Social Welfare Department. We must enforce strict penalties against drug dealers and traffickers, and deal harshly with anyone in authority who helps facilitate the trade.

But we must also introduce parents and teachers to the dangers of drugs, so they can be aware of the telltale signs. Campaigns should be promoted by sports stars, actors and pop stars telling youngsters that drugs are not, in fact, “cool” but a danger to their health and their future.