13 September

Acting on a tip-off, police searched a warehouse in Shwepyitha Township on the morning of 5 September and seized 1,840 kilogrammes of Ice (methamphetamine), four million stimulant tablets, 14 kilogrammes of heroin powder, and a Mitsubishi Canter truck. Six suspected offenders were arrested: Aye Than Tun, a supporter of the AA terrorist group from Kyauktaw Township in Rakhine State, along with Ah Lyan (aka) Wan Shin Lyan, Tun Tun Naing (aka) LT, Aye Myint, and Lin Min Htet.

According to the investigation, police also arrested Zaw Oo (aka) Raju and Ye Lin Aung (aka) Joseph with 1,500 kilogrammes of Ice and two vehicles (a Toyota Mark II and an I-Zone) in a compound in Shwepaukkan Myothit, North Okkalapa Township, on the evening of 5 September.

Similarly, anti-narcotics agents arrested Aung Khaing Moe and Ye Ko Khaing with a Toyoace truck carrying 1,100 kilogrammes of Ice and 1,100 kilogrammes of ketamine near the Denko petrol station on No 4 Highway in Shwepyitha Township on the morning of 7 September. Following this, police arrested Myo Min Htike (aka) Noahlam, who helped arrange a boat to transport the drugs into Malaysia, in Thakayta Township, and later apprehended Soe Min Aung and Min Tin Htet, who monitored the boat, at a hotel in Pabedan Township.

Based on the testimony of the arrested suspect Tun Tun Naing, a deputy support officer of the AA terrorist group, the group is engaged in large-scale drug trafficking to secure funds for its operations and to purchase weapons and ammunition. The drugs were reportedly purchased from Yan Kalar of Kehsi Township, Loilem District, Shan State (North), while Min Myat Kyaw (aka Thadu) gave the order to transport the drugs to Malaysia.

Authorities confirmed that legal action will continue to be taken against the arrested suspects. Efforts are also ongoing to identify and apprehend other suspects and accomplices. Individuals with information about drug trafficking are urged to report confidentially to the relevant authorities. Informants who assist in the arrest of suspects will be eligible for a confidential reward. — MNA/MKKS