Is this drug medicine? The madness over meth

The scourge of methamphetamine has left its mark in the region in recent years, and Singapore has not been spared from its sudden surge. Aptly nicknamed the "crazy pill" when it is in tablet form, the impact of meth has spilled over from the borders of Myanmar, where production has reached an all-time high. The Sunday Times examines the trail of destruction meth has left in its wake from the source to Singapore's shores.

A drug rehabilitation centre (above) in Mae Chan in Chiang Rai. Its residents attending a mid-afternoon Bible class. Their rehabilitation process involves exercise, reflection and religion. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
Smugglers avoid using the roads in Doi Tung mountain for fear of being spotted by a police or army patrol. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
A drug rehabilitation centre in Mae Chan in Chiang Rai. Its residents (above) attending a mid-afternoon Bible class. Their rehabilitation process involves exercise, reflection and religion. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
Mr Tim York was hooked on Ice over a seven-year period and has had two stints in the drug rehabilitation centre in Singapore. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
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The Doi Tung mountain in Thailand's Chiang Rai province is a majestic sight, its lush landscape dotted with farms growing strawberries, coffee beans and oranges.

But the mist-covered slopes on the Thai-Myanmar border also hide a sinister side.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on December 01, 2019, with the headline Is this drug medicine? The madness over meth. Subscribe