The Mon Area Community Development Organization (MACDO) is bringing an anti-drug use, education program to the high school students from Duya and Andin villages in the Parlain region, Ye Township, Mon State.

“The session included sharing knowledge about the harmful effects of stimulant drugs, the history of illicit drug production, side effects of drug addiction and information about the state regulations governing illegal drug use,” explained Nai Htaw Rot, a member of the Mon Area Community Development Organization.

Grade 9 and 10 students participated in the session.

Different civil society organizations (CSOs) have been working on anti-drug awareness programs to combat illegal drug use, however drug abuse in Mon state remains the same, according to local people.

“Two kinds of drugs are commonly used in many villages, methamphetamine and kratom leaves. The use of meth pills seem to be declining while taking kratom leaf drinks has recently become popular amongst youth,” said Nai Phay, a villager from Rood-Tong village in southern Ye Township, Mon State.

Rising numbers of persons abusing drugs in Ye Town has frightened local people from going alone to their farm fields or plantations.

“People would avoid passing by the street or road in the presence of drug users as they are scared. The numbers of people who are using illegal drugs has been rapidly growing even though CSOs are helping to address the drug issue. Still, we need to put effort into anti-drug use awareness by approaching young people and providing drug-related knowledge to students,” said Nai Sa-Han, a director with MACDO.

The Mon Youth Progressive Organization (MYPO) research from 2017 revealed that 73% of young people were using illegal drugs in Ye Township. The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) conducted similar research in 2013, and at that time it was estimated that 40% of young people were using illegal drugs.