Drugs from this part of the world have had an insidious, corrosive, far-reaching, and at times highly destabilizing impact. In particular, they have been linked to an explosion of AIDS, social instability, lack of economic performance, official corruption, and organized crime. These effects have been felt, in one form or another, throughout Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, and Northeast Asia. Dealing with the threat posed by the Golden Triangle's heroin trade will require a fully inclusive strategy that emphasizes both supply disruption and demand reduction. While certain Southeast Asian states have pledged to intensify the scope and effectiveness of their drug policies, official apathy is widespread and continues to mitigate against effective counter-measures. Money laundering centers of Southeast Asian drug cartels are discussed. 61 notes