IF ILLEGAL trade expands significantly, it can harm legitimate trade and also cause losses and damage to small, micro, and medium-sized businesses within the country in general. However, in situations where there are armed terrorist attacks within the country and some regions lack peace and stability, illegal trade can further worsen armed conflicts, acting like a gust of wind that fuels the flames of violence and unrest.
Illegal trade causes harm to territorial peace and security, including supporting criminal activities and terrorist groups financially. Relevant ministries, regions, and state governments must take decisive actions to thoroughly eradicate illegal trade. Our country shares borders with five neighbouring countries, and due to its geographical location and border security conditions, it is difficult to completely prevent illegal trade. However, drug trafficking and arms smuggling also occur along these illegal trade routes, so effective inspection, detection, arrest, and prevention are necessary.
According to the values of seizures of illegal trade by year, in 2022, the value amounted to K65 billion; over K135 billion in 2023; and K223 billion in 2024, showing an increasing trend in seizures year by year. However, it is understood that, based on the differences in exports and imports from neighbouring countries, much larger amounts still need to be seized.
Myanmar ranked 117th out of 158 countries in the 2025 Illicit Trade Index published by the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT). In comparison, in the 2018 Global Illicit Trade Environment Index, Myanmar ranked 81st out of 84 countries. Among the 10 ASEAN member countries, Myanmar is ranked only 9th in terms of combating illicit trade. It is necessary to continue strengthening efforts to combat illicit trade with greater momentum. Hence, combating illegal trade, which harms national economic development, security, and peace, as well as national dignity, must be successfully undertaken as a national responsibility.
In combatting illegal trade, gathering intelligence is crucial. The relevant authorities have to gather accurate and reliable information in a timely manner. Citizens who provide information and lead to arrests are rewarded by the state with benefits such as financial support and honours, depending on the significance of the case.
During the past April, the estimated value of seized goods reached approximately K15,928.854 million. Of this, 20 per cent, amounting to K2,118.570 million, was awarded as a reward to the informants. Everyone must participate in combatting illegal trade, which not only causes multi-faceted losses to the nation but also undermines domestic peace, stability, and security.
