Lahu and Shan nabbed to prove Wa innocence

Lahu and Shan nabbed to prove Wa innocence, say villagers

The drug raid that was carried out between 24-27 August by Burmese security forces across Chiangrai was nothing but a feeble attempt to prove that Wa are not drug dealers as generally believed, reported LNDO, a Lahu information group. 

"About 15 Lahu and Shans were arrested and told to say nothing that would implicate the Army or they would face harsher penalties," it said. 

According to Rangoon statement that was released on 1 September, 26 people and chemicals enough to make 800,000 pills were seized. Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, #2 man in the military intelligence, said: "This raid has proven that the Wa do not deserve the reputation they have". 

However, LNDO claimed that there was nobody who did not know the Wa were producing drugs under the protection of the Army. 

"This is only an attempt to whitewash the Wa prior to Khin Nyunt's Thailand visit," commented an informed sources from Tachilek. 

According to him, the Wa produce about 40% of methamphetamines, the Kokang about 30% and other miscellaneous groups the rest.