More labs move deep

More labs move deep, scores still around

Drugs

Tipped off by the Burmese military, Wei Hsuehkang, Commander of the Wa's 171st Military Region, has dismantled some of his drug factories and moved them further from the Thai border, said an informed source returning from the border areas. 

The 50 year old "retired" trafficker said, "One, I know for sure, was transferred from Wanhong (in Monghsat township, opposite Chiangmai's Mae Ai district) to Tangyan (in northern Shan State) on 25 August. Another in Hopang-Hoyawd (in Mongton township, opposite Chiangmai's Fang district) has already been packed waiting to be removed." 

He added that Wei had another factory built underground near Wanhong. "That, to my knowledge, is still there," he said. "Even in Hopang-Hoyawd, only Wei's factory, managed by Chao Ching, was to move out. But the one run by Ta Rong's 214th Brigade (another Wa unit) is still there." 

Two other refineries, located in Loi Khamlong, northwest of Monghsat, one owned by a Wa and another by a Lahu militia, are under the protection of Light Infantry Battalion 333, according to him. 

Lahu militiamen who recently deserted from Monghsat's Mongtoom tract also confirmed the existence of drug factories in the area. "One we know is located at Hwe Hpakant, northwest of Mongtoom near Punako village" said one. 

The militia leader is Ja-Ngoi, who also owned a "hand-generated" compressor that produces 3 speed pills each time and another "electricity generated" compressor that produces 12 pills each time. Their factory is under the protection of Light Infantry Battalion 553. 

East of Mongtoom is Mongkarn tract where the Nampoong militia leader Yishay, under the protection of Light Infantry Battalion 331, has another refinery. 

Between the two is the Yawngkha drug-free project site opposite Chiangrai province that is being sponsored by Thailand. 

"Some people are pushing for our removal instead of demanding the Burmese military to do away with these refineries," complained a Shan commander in Loi Kawwan, a Shan State Army base that is placed along the border between the project site and Thailand, without elaboration.

Update: 10 September 2003

Wei's lab in Hopang-Hoyawd was transferred also to the north on 4 September 2003.