Business as usual

Business as usual, only a little unusual

Drug Watch 

Sources have confirmed that drug activities are returning to normal a few months after the Wa leadership, prodded by Rangoon, issued a statement banning drugs on 26 March. 

"The difference, according to Chaw-Ching (a.k.a U Myint Chay of Mongton, a drug fugitive from Thailand) is that the small hands (meaning small fish) will be facing tougher actions from the military government so to help boost its credibility among nations," said a source coming across the border recently. 

"The big hands", he continued, "on the other hand, will receive protection so they can go on financing the government." 

The information is supported by several sources. One unconfirmed report indicates the change of policy came from Rangoon's Number Three strongman, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt himself. 

Sources also claimed "small planes" were visiting Mongton's Infantry Battalion 65 Command post once or twice each month to pick up drugs manufactured in the area by Wa and Chinese operators. "We are not sure under whose order the planes are flying," said the same source. "We were told only that the goods, after reaching Rangoon, are being shipped away to other countries." 

IB 65 is well acquainted with all long-serving Thai border watchers for its "up to the neck" involvement in drug activities. "Only trusted officers are appointed to command the battalion," said another source, "because his other responsibility is to head the drug cartel there." 

The current commander is Lt-Col Hla Myint. 

According to several sources, Chaw Ching serves as the principal sales agent in the area. Transport security along motor-road is handled by the military while the Wa are held responsible for security off the roads. The profit from the sales are shared equally between the two. 

Apart from Chaw Ching, a familiar figure appears to be Captain Han Sein, IB 65's Company 1 commander. "He is the one entrusted to visit the refineries," said the first source. "He was seen on 28 August to pick up 300 blocks of heroin from Hwe Khailong, northwest of Mongton and unload them at the warehouse in the 65th's compound. Every time he goes out and returns with a consignment of drugs, you can bet a small aircraft from Rangoon will be visiting soon." 
The aircraft was to arrive on 7-8 September, according to an unconfirmed report. 

Rangoon, meanwhile, is adamant that it is serious about drug eradication. The United Nation's recent report also agreed that opium output had decreased during the past few years, although farmers say the decline is due to the adverse weather conditions rather than the government's suppression efforts.