Wa set up five new

Wa set up five new "factories" along the Mekong

Since late last June, Wa groups under Wei Hsiaokang have established five new laboratories, said informed sources from the area. 

The five labs, 2 for heroin and 3 for 'yaba' methamphetamine, are located 60-miles north of Tachilek in Khongkong (The Bend of Mekhong) opposite Muong Singh of Laos. "It is only about 15 miles as the crow flies from north to south," said a source. "But there are full of mountains and valleys that it will take one at least one day to traverse it." 

Apart from 200-strong Wa figters brought from the bases facing the Shan State Army across Chiangrai and 1,000 Wa villagers, there are the Burmese and local militia units guarding the area, they said. 

Jakunee and Yawna's "Special Mobile Police force" of Monghpyak and ex-MTA officer Parn Mawng's "Special Combat Police force" is known to be active in the vicinity. 

The quality of yaba is also reported to be higher than that manufactured in the Wa capital of Panghsang near the Chinese border "That's because Wei has access to better precursor chemicals from Thailand," said a source. "The price is also competitive, B. 10 per pill (B. 11 in other areas) and even B. 8 for regular customers."