Truck caught with drug chemicals released after bribe

^{By Hseng Khio Fah
4 July 2008}

The truck owned by 40-year old Sai Maung was seized by the drug authorities on the way from Tachilek to Mong Toom, Monghsat township, at the Ponghtun checkpoint, according to a source.

After investigation, it was found out that the materials belonged to Lahu militia led by Kya Ngoi (Ja Ngoi). Sai Maung was hired to transport them from Tachilek to Mong Toom where three drug refineries are reportedly located.

The three drug refineries are owned by Kya Ngoi, Ai Long and Ar Zaw, according reliable sources from the border. The materials on the truck were said to have been owned by Kya Ngoi’s sons Kya Saw and Kya  Shipi.

“There were three cars to ship the materials. They let Sai Maung’s go first,” said a local.

However, both sons denied the materials were theirs and told the officials that they were owned by Sai Maung.

“Sai Maung was released with his car after a relative of him bribed the authorities,” said the villager.

After two days of his release, the authorities confiscated all the properties belonging to his family including his house, the source said.

Sai Maung, a member of Kya Ngoi’s group, is a resident of Wan Kart village, Mornghsat township.

There are three checkpoints in Mong Toom on the way to the refineries, according to informed sources. The first one is currently manned by Burmese soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 554, and the other two by members of Lahu militia.