Use of mitragyna speciosa rising again across Arakan State

By Admin 24 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

24 November 2025, Ponnagyun

Consumption of Mitragyna speciosa leaves - widely used by both adults and children in Arakan State - is reportedly on the rise again, according to local residents.

The plant is grown in townships including Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Buthidaung, and its use is increasing, locals said.

The leaves are eaten raw, and the extracted liquid is boiled and mixed with cough syrup, Coca-Cola, milk or coffee, and sold as a drink.

"In some villages, Mitragyna speciosa leaves are boiled and sold in Coca-Cola soft drink cans, and a can can be bought for about K6,000. Young people are more likely to drink it. It is more often used as a drug than for health reasons," said a local man from Ponnagyun.

The leaves, widely used as a narcotic, are reportedly available at affordable prices across the township. In addition to drinking the liquid, young people are also said to inhale the leaves like marijuana.

Mitragyna speciosa plants are classified as a narcotic and banned in Myanmar, though they are legally available for purchase and use in neighbouring Thailand.

"Mitragyna speciosa leaves are grown in villages and sold in bundles, with a bundle of 100 leaves costing K20,000. In the past, groups in the village would drink liquid made from the leaves," said a resident of Kyauktaw Township.

In December 2024, the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) destroyed Mitragyna speciosa plantations in some areas and warned growers not to replant, saying action would be taken in accordance with the law. DLEPS members also raised awareness about the health risks associated with drinking the plant extract.

Long-term use of the liquid as a narcotic can cause physical and psychological harm, including liver and kidney damage, memory loss, depression and cancer, according to health experts.

"Mitragyna speciosa leaves are classified as a drug and are banned. In Thailand, they are legally sold and used. But people use them without control. If you drink too much, there are side effects. You will feel dizzy, unwell and depressed," said another Kyauktaw resident.

The growing use of Mitragyna speciosa is widely criticised amid weak enforcement of the ban, and the ULA/AA is urging the eradication of the plant and effective action against its sale.

Amid the ongoing war, youths in Arakan State are said to be losing hope for opportunities such as jobs and education, and some are turning to drugs as an escape.