Narcotopia: In Search of the Asian Drug Cartel that Outwitted the CIA

Award-winning journalist Patrick Winn explores the narco-state of the Wa, an indigenous group controlling more territory than Israel and with more troops than Sweden, in his book "Hello, Shadowlands." The Wa State, divided by the jagged mountains between China and Burma, has its own highways, anthems, schools, and flags, and its leaders promise a utopia using profits from trafficking heroin and meth to attain a state of their own.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Icon Books

The jagged mountains that divide China and Burma are home to the Wa, an indigenous group who have managed to create the world's most powerful narco-state. They control more territory than Israel and have more troops than Sweden.

The Wa are often portrayed as crime lords, but some argue that they are visionaries who are seeking to create a state of their own. Wa State has its own highways, anthems, schools, and flags. Its leaders promise a utopia, using profits from trafficking heroin and meth to achieve what China's other frontier peoples, such as the Tibetans and Uighurs, can only dream of: a state of their own.

Patrick Winn, an award-winning journalist and author of "Hello, Shadowlands," embarks on a risky journey of discovery to uncover the truth about the forbidden republic. He travels from Thailand to Burma to the secretive Wa State itself, chasing clues about the mysterious group and their plans for the future.

The Wa State is a fascinating and complex entity, with a history that dates back centuries. Its leaders have been able to navigate the challenges of being a narco-state, using their connections and resources to maintain their grip on power. However, their methods have also drawn criticism from human rights groups and other organizations who argue that they are responsible for widespread human rights abuses and violence.

As Patrick Winn continues his investigation, he becomes increasingly aware of the dangers he faces. He is constantly monitored by the Wa State's security forces, who are eager to silence anyone who speaks out against them. Winn must navigate a complex web of lies and deceit, using his journalistic skills and his connections to uncover the truth about the Wa State and its leaders.

In the end, Winn's journey to the Wa State is a testament to the power of journalism and the human spirit. He exposes the truth about a forbidden republic that has been hidden from the world for decades, and he inspires others to seek out the stories that are often overlooked and ignored.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 242 x 163 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785789731