The Heroin Wars
Series Overview
History of the narcotics trade in Burma and the War on Drugs. In 1964, director Adrian Cowell and cameraman Chris Menges went to mountainous eastern Burma to film the Shan revolutionary forces fighting a bloody civil war against the military dictatorship. The impoverished Shans had only one way to finance the war: opium. Cowell has returned several times over the last 30 years to record the ongoing civil war and the burgeoning opium trade. The first and last episodes are produced in association with WGBH/FRONTLINE.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 3 Episodes
1996 – 1996
Premiered: Sat, Jul 6, 1996
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 3: “The Kings of Opium”
Khun Sa changes sides in the narcotics carousel. Returning to the Shan war of independence, even with $80 million in U.S. military aid the Burmese Army never halted or captured a single drug convoy. Despite their dramatic arrests and surrenders, the two "Kings of Opium" are now richer and more powerful than ever.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Adrian Cowell
Roger James
Department Leadership Roster
Adrian Cowell
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Heroin Wars.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Heroin Wars
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Heroin Wars about?
History of the narcotics trade in Burma and the War on Drugs. In 1964, director Adrian Cowell and cameraman Chris Menges went to mountainous eastern Burma to film the Shan revolutionary forces fighting a bloody civil war against the military dictatorship. The impoverished Shans had only one way to finance the war: opium. Cowell has returned several times over the last 30 years to record the ongoing civil war and the burgeoning opium trade. The first and last episodes are produced in association with WGBH/FRONTLINE.
How many seasons does The Heroin Wars have?
The Heroin Wars comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in The Heroin Wars?
Key cast members in The Heroin Wars include Not specified.
Who created or directed The Heroin Wars?
The Heroin Wars was developed and directed by Adrian Cowell.