Druglord

Druglord's brother takes over as commander

Wa

Wei Hsuehying, younger brother of Wei Hsuehkang, who is wanted by the United States and Thailand on drug charges, has recently been appointed as commander of the United Wa State Army's 171st Brigade, said several sources from the border and northern Shan State. 

Hsuehying a.k.a Sophon Jandee, 52, is currently in Panghsang, the Wa capital near the Chinese border, to attend an emergency meeting called by the Wa leadership that followed after a surprise visit by a general from Rangoon on 5 November. Some local and border sources believe joint offensive against the Shan State Army could be the top agenda. (The 171st, with 15 battalions under its command, is based in areas opposite Maehongson, Chiangmai and Chiangrai province). 

Of the three brothers, Hsuehlong, 66, handles Panghsang's finances, while Hsuehkang 56, known in Burmese intelligence circle as U Sein Win, continues his "unofficial position as the Wa's remote control," said an informed source from northern Shan State. 

"Owing to his notoriety, Panghsang could not confer on him an official position," said the source. "He is not only wanted by the Americans and Thais, but also by the Chinese. His presence in Panghsang, therefore, would greatly embarrass his hosts." 

He spends most of his time traveling between Rangoon and Mandalay. "These days he is rarely seen in Tangyan where he has a 2,000 acre land granted to him by Gen Khin Nyunt last year," said the same source. 

The land, where he has an agricultural project, is at Tawniu Village in Nawng-moeng Tract, 7-8 miles east of Tangyan. 

Apart from military affairs younger brother Hsuehying, whose arrest warrant has been issued by Thailand since 1984, is reported to be responsible for the brothers' business interests in the south, where they had a company called Green Light, according to a veteran source.