Junta

Junta's Key Drug Fixer Promoted

It has been recently learned by S.H.A.N. that an officer known to be a key facilitator of drug production and trafficking in eastern Shan State has been promoted during the latest reshuffle. 

An informed source told S.H.A.N. that Maj. Nyan Myint, special affairs officer of IB 225, Mongton Township, Monghsat District, has won promotion as the new commander of the battalion. His erstwhile boss, Ltc. Chit Hla, is reported to have been transferred to Maungdaw in the Arakan (Rakhaing) State. 

Nyan Myint, now a lieutenant-colonel, is believed to be a protege of Gen Khin Nyunt, the all-powerful Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council. 

He has been known to enjoy close relationship with key drug operators in the township. He was reported to have told a group of drug operators in Mongtaw, Mongton Township, "The State's goal is he make the trans-Salween areas a drug-free zone by the year 2005. It implies that people can engage in drug activities for the next 5-6 years.

Opportunity comes to those of you who are astute. I'll be happy to render my assistance and cooperation to anyone of you who needs me". (Junta Officer: Dealing in Drugs Okay Until 2005", S.H.A.N., 23 October 1999)