The so-called elected government of Burma continue to turn a blind eye to the spike in opium cultivation and drug production in government-controlled areas in Shan State, while at the same time permits a number of known drug lords into its Parliament.

According to the Shan Drug Watch report released Wednesday, while the ceasefire areas along the Sino-Burma border remained opium free, survey results show opium was grown during the 2010-2011 season in 45 out of 50 Shan townships controlled by government troops.

Read more: The Nation