New speed refinery across the border

New speed refinery across the border

More on drugs

One more methamphetamine refinery had been newly added to the two already in existence under the control of the local Burmese commanders, reported an informed source yesterday (28 September).

The new refinery is located 14 miles east of Mongton (51 miles from the Thai border) near the Maeken River. "You drive 11 miles along the Mongton-Monghsat road then branch off 3 miles to the right and you'll get there, just 4 miles north of the village of Mong Aek," he elaborated.

Lt-Col Hla Myint, new commander of IB 65 (Mongton) went to inspect the location on 14 September led by Hsaw Hsing a.k.a. "Chawching", a drug fugitive from Chiangmai who is living in Mongton and Jalaw, a Lahu trader from Nawngpayen, a village north of Mongton.

Four days later, the colonel issued an order for villagers in Mong Aek and the nearby Naniu to "contribute" 4,000 slats of woven thatch, each 4½ cubits in length, by 15 October.

Lao Ma, 47, from the defunct Mong Tai Army of Khun Sa, and Sgt. Myint Lwin with 60 troops were dispatched to the location to oversee the construction. Additional security was to be provided by Lahu militias from Mongkarng led by Jakaw and from Loi Kham led by Jana.

Apart from refineries operated separately by Wa and Lahu militias, there are two refineries, one in Hwe Khailong and the other in Hoyawd, both of them in Mongton township, under the local Burmese commanders' direct management, said the source.