"Protecting and Taxing Drugs: Burmese Officers' Favorite Pastime", said Shan Villager

"Protecting and Taxing Drugs: Burmese Officers' Favorite Pastime", said Shan Villager

Burmese Officers are spending more and more time making money through drugs, said S.H.A.N.'s source across the Thai border. 

One way of making money is through protection and transportation, said the source, who gives his name is Maihoong (Banyan in English). 

According to him, on 5 October, Capt. Hla Maung of Company 3, IB 49 (Monghsat) took off to Mongpiang with 50 soldiers in 8 four-wheelers. There he met Maj. Ohn Myint of IB 43, who transferred to him 20 bags of amphetamine in powder form, each bag weighing 50 kilogram, that was believed to have arrived from Panghsang, where the United Wa State Army headquarters. "Capt. Hla Maung, on his arrival in Mongton, handed the shipment over to Ltc. Sway Myint, Commander of IB 65", said Maihoong. 

Three days later, it was transported on muleback to Huey Khailong, 6 miles north of Mongton, by Chao Li-hsien, an ex-MTA officer who is operating a heroin refinery there. 

"At Huey Khailong, the amphetamine powder was pressed into tablets", said Maihoong. 

"The smugglers buy amphetamines at 11-12 baht each tablet", he added. "But after crossing the border, they can sell at 20-22 baht each". 

He also reported of a joint patrol made recently by the two battalions in Mongton. According to him, Capt. Htun Myint of IB 65, 65 strong and Capt. Zaw Aye of IB 519, 47 strong, with 40 press-ganged porters (Mongton 8,

Nawngpayen 5, Wanna 3, Faikhae 6, Maekaen 10 and Poongpakhem 8) began their patrol on 7 October. 
"The patrol traveled to villages along the border to inform the hill tribes that tax would be imposed on all poppy cultivators. K. 5,000 for 1-2 acres and K. 10,000 for 3-4 acres". 

Some of the villages they visited were Namhookhun, Hopang, Hoyawd, Loikhamlong, Mongkangnoi, Mongkanglong, Loinawk, Yangkham and Mong Jawd. 

"They have all returned to their units now, reported Maihoong on 11 October.