"...In 2007, opium cultivation in Myanmar rose by 29% while production was up 46% thanks to higher yields. These increases are dwarfed by the opium boom in Afghanistan, that produces 20 times more drugs than Myanmar. But they flash a warning sign that reminds us that Myanmar is still, by far, the world?s second largest opium producer (at 460 tonnes). Myanmar needs a more effective counter narcotics strategy and more assistance, if it is to reach its target of being opium free by 2014. The situation is particularly worrisome in the South Shan State. Although access for our ground surveyors was difficult, there are signs of significant opium cultivation in this region. Furthermore, there is evidence that double cropping, irrigation and fertilization are resulting in higher yields than in other parts of the country. As in parts of Afghanistan and Colombia where drugs and insecurity overlap, various groups are taking advantage of the situation in the South Shan State to profit from instability. More rural development assistance is essential to reduce the vulnerability to cultivate drugs stemming from poverty. Ridding the Golden Triangle of opium, which has taken a generation, could be quickly undone if farmers see no improvement in their living standards. In Laos, for example, as opium production has fallen, prices have gone up ?€? by 500% in the past five years. Returning to opium is a serious temptation in poor communities which have yet to see the benefits of abandoning poppy. Opium growing regions would also benefit from improved drug treatment in order to cope with disproportionately high rates of addiction. The signs from South East Asia have been encouraging over a number of years. But there is no guarantee that progress can be sustained over time. To consolidate the gains made until recently, national governments and all stakeholders in an opium-free region need to continue their engagement. The Golden Triangle should not be forgotten now that it is no longer notorious..."