India, June 26 -- Myanmar authorities destroyed more than $600 million worth of seized illegal drugs in nationwide operations on Friday to mark the United Nations' International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The destroyed narcotics included heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine, opium, marijuana and crystal meth.

The largest destruction event took place in Yangon, where drugs valued at around $321 million were incinerated. Similar ceremonies were also held in Mandalay and Taunggyi, regions close to Myanmar's major drug-producing areas.

Myanmar has long been one of the world's biggest producers of heroin and methamphetamine, with much of the trade concentrated in the Golden Triangle region. Experts say drug production has i...