Pubdate: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 Source: New York Times (NY) Section: World Briefing Copyright: 2001 The New York Times Company Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298 Author: Seth Mydans MYANMAR: NO. 1 IN OPIUM PRODUCTION After a steep drop in production in Afghanistan, Myanmar has regained its position as the world's top producer of opium, according to a United States government survey. Myanmar, the former Burma, produced an estimated 865 metric tons of opium in 2001, down from 1,085 tons in 2000. But the drop in Afghanistan was far greater, to 185 tons in 2001, from 3,276 tons in 2000, before the Taliban government enforced an eradication program. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth