A Local

A Local: Gambling and Drugs Go Together At Sino-Shan Border

According to several sources, gambling and drugs are inseparable under local Burmese authorities at Sino-Shan border in the north. 

At Muse, 8 gambling dens at the White Elephant Market flourish under the protection of the local military and administrative authorities who receive monthly fees from the operators, said the source. 

Col. Soe Yi, Commander of the area tactical command alone, is being paid ¥ 160,000 (approx US$ 10,000) per month. "His fee for April was paid up by a Chinese who goes by the Burmese name of San Hlaing on 18 April," said a source who asked not to name him. 

The second and third highest recipients are reported to be the chairmen of the district and township Peace and Development Councils respectively. "Besides, all local administrative departments such as Military Intelligence Service, Police, District Office, Township Office, Municipality, Special Branch etc. have to be paid at least ¥ 1,000 each per month," said the source. 

Opium dens also boom in the nearby town of Panghsai opposite Wanting, China, operated a by Di Zhengi from the Kokang ceasefire group and He Minli a.k.a. U Thet Naing from the Wa group. "These are not only left alone but sometimes visited by the government drug agents and their friends," said another source. 

Another source also confirmed a report about U Myint Aung, a local drug warrior, and his agents selling 8 viss of opium seized from the populace in mid-1999. "That is only a small example," said the source. "The operating rule is to let off the big fries with connections in the high places and concentrate on small fries. This is known even by the UNDCP officials." 

The fact is that the same people that operate the gambling dens in Muse are also supplying a multitude of choice drugs to customers in Panghsai, said the sources. 

"When leaders of other ceasefire groups travel, they had to leave behind their side arms 'for safekeeping' at the big gates like the Mongyu 105 Milestone," said another source. "However, vehicles that claim to be from Di and U Thet Naing are not bothered at all."