Opium yield survey

[OKKAR66127@xxxxxxx]

     Opium yield survey 
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     YANGON, 17 March - The opium yield survey was 
     jointly carried out in Shan State by Myanmar 
     and the United States governments under anti-drug 
     programme.

     The opium yield survey team carried out the task 
     for the third time in east, south and north regions 
     of Shan State from 9 to 13 March.
     
     The combined team included Tatmadawmen, members of 
     anti-drug squads of Myanmar Police Force 9 and experts 
     of MAS led by member of Central Committee for Drug Abuse 
     Control Col Kyaw Thein from Myanmar side and officials of 
     State Department and DEA and experts of Agriculture 
     Department led by Counsellor Mr Thomas Murphy of the US 
     Embassy. On 9 March, the team left Yangon for Monghsat 
     by special aircraft. It collected samples from illegal 
     opium plantations in hill regions in Monghsat Township. 
     Members of the team visited Mongton, Mongkyut, Monehtaw, 
     Monehta and Homein regions.
     
     They also collected samples from illegal opium plantations 
     on Mene hill in Hopong Township on 10 March, Naunglai 
     region in Tangyang Township and Taunghero region in Mongshu 
     Township on 11 March, Mawhtaik/Hone-ai, Monekoe and Hemoelon 
     regions in Kongyan Township on 12 March and Mantong region 
     in Namtu Township on 13 March.
     
     They arrived back here on 13 March.
     
     Opium yield will be calculated from samples collected 
     from 663 one square metre blocks of 221 plantations by 
     Meaner and US experts.
     
     Similar surveys were carried out in 1993 and 1995.


     For photos please browse at:
     http://www.myanmar.com/gov/opium/opium.html
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