Narcotopia; In Search of the Asian Drug Cartel That Survived the CIA

The gripping true story of an indigenous people who control the world’s most powerful narco-state—and America’s efforts to stop them.

In the heart of Asia’s narcotics-producing region, the Wa people rule supreme. They dominate the Golden Triangle, a remote, mountainous area in Burma between Thailand and China. With a 30,000-strong army equipped with missiles and drones, their power makes Mexican cartels seem like small-time players.

Wa moguls lead the region’s $60 billion meth trade and are notorious for mass-producing pink, vanilla-scented speed pills. Drugs fuel the economy of Wa State, a fully functioning nation with its own laws, schools, anthems, and even an electricity grid. Though revered by their people, Wa leaders are viewed by US officials as ruthless "kingpins" who "poison our society for profit."

In Narcotopia, award-winning journalist Patrick Winn uncovers the hidden truths behind Asia's largest drug-trafficking operation, revealed through the eyes of a Wa commander turned DEA informant. This compelling narrative challenges conventional drug war narratives and uncovers a chilling reality: the origins of the Wa syndicate are intertwined with covert CIA operations.

It’s a saga of indigenous people using narcotics to build a nation from nothing—and a covert US intelligence operation that went horribly awry.