Wa supremo protege among those apprehended

Ta Pan, 40, an officer promoted to replace a discredited commander in 2002, is among the Wa troops detained by the Burma Army last week together with a record haul of heroin, according to Thai and Shan sources.

Ta Pan, Commander of Mongyawn-based 2518th Independent Regiment, according to sources, is an adopted son of Bao Youri, eldest brother of Bao Youxiang, the United Wa State Army's supreme commander and leader. The 2518th is formerly known as 894th Independent Regiment under Wei Hsaitang, who is currently languishing in Panghsang prison for treason and manufacturing of counterfeit banknotes.

Bao Youri

Ta Pan, together with 17 other officers, are being detained in Kengtung that headquarters the Burma Army's Triangle Region Command. His 3 story hotel in Tachilek, "Hopping," has also been closed down since his arrest.

Sources also heard it was China that had tipped off the Burma Army about the planned movement of drugs.

As yet there is no official announcement of the seizure of more than 450 kg of heroin (most sources claim it was 900 kg). "But all those who are doing business in trade and transportation are talking openly in restaurants and teashops," said a trader coming from Kengtung, 160 km from Maesai.

Heroin used to be compressed into 700 gram block, according to a Thai drug buster. "But nowadays more are being packed into 500 gram blocks," he said.

Back in Panghsang, Wa sources have denied connections to the drug convoy intercepted by the Burma Army. "It was a separate arrangement made between some Kokang dealers and (Wei Hsuehkang's) 171st Military Region (that is operating along the Thai-Shan State border, including Mongyawn)," said an officer who wishes to remain unnamed. "Panghsang is only a way-station."

Other Wa sources say Pangsang has sent Ta Lone, the UWSA chief of staff, to negotiate with Rangoon. Another report mentioned Ta Nub, a liaison officer who is often seen in Rangoon, and Mongpawk district officer Yakhu, in the Wa delegation. "I'm not sure whether or not it's a separate affair," said one. "But public telephone services with Chinese numbers have been told to cease their service indefinitely."

Observers agree that if the Wa, considered the strongest among ceasefire armies, were coerced into surrender, other groups will soon find themselves out on a limb. "Of course, having been working hand in glove with the Burmese authorities for so long, they could say 'you pull my pants off and I'll pull yours,'" commented one. "But Rangoon, I think, is in a position to take a risk on that."

Related reports:
Wa convoy intercepted, 15 September 2005
Thai papers confirm record haul, 20 September 2005