RANGOON The United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP) has launched a 15 million dollar drug eradication program for Myanmar's Shan State, the country's major production base for opium and methamphetamines, sources said Saturday. UNDCP executive director Pino Arlacchi, who wound up a five-day official visit to Myanmar (Burma) Friday, said the massive development program, which will stress crop substitution efforts, would have a direct impact on 30,000 people living in the area.

Myanmar is the world's largest grower of opium, with an estimated annual crop of 2,000 tons, and the leading exporter of its refined derivative heroin. In recent years the country has also gained a reputation as a leading producer of methamphetamines. Myanmar is also one of the world's poorest countries whose government's Pariah State reputation has meant few Western democracies in recent years have been willing to offer it development assistance, even to wean people from opium growing and exporting heroin.

Arlacchi said that the United States and Japan would be the two major donors to 15 million dollar Shan State program. He told journalists at Rangoon International Airport that he had been satisifed with his trip to Myanmar, which took him to many opium growing areas where he had held constructive discussions with the leaders of the Wa and Kokang regions where most of the opium is grown.

Arlacchi expressed optimism that drug production could be eliminated in Myanamr within 15 years. (DPA)