Thai papers confirm record haul

Thai language dailies yesterday reported the massive seizure of heroin by the Burma Army, as published earlier by S.H.A.N.

All three papers, Chiangmai News, Khom Chad Luek and Siam Rath, reported the Burma Army had captured a large consignment escorted by the United Wa State Army troops on 8 September (S.H.A.N. sources say it took place on 10 September) near Mongpiang, 260 km northwest of Mae Sai.

The amount of seizure, according to S.H.A.N., was 900 kg and 1 ton, according to Khom Chad Luek and Siam Rath. However, Chiangmai News, which quoted Maj-Gen Manas Paorik, deputy commander of the Third Army, who said he had received a communication from Burma, Burmese troops had seized 902 blocks of heroin weighing more than 400 kg.

Courtesy: chiangmai-mail.com

Pitaya Jinawat, Director of Office of Narcotics Control Board-Northern Region, meanwhile hails the seizure as the outcome of cooperation between Burma, China and Thailand.

The seized drugs is believed to be bound for Laos via Monghsat where Wei Hsuekkang's 171st Military Region is located. The current price of heroin on the Thai-Burma border is 250,000-300,000 baht ($6,250-7,500) per kg.

There is as yet no official announcement made by Rangoon.