Druglord still at large

Druglord still at large

Drugs

Bao Youhua, who was reportedly dismissed on 11 January by the Wa leadership of Panghsang, still remains free in Tachilek, according to reliable sources there. 

"He is thinner, perhaps because of worry in additional to excessive drug taking," said a Tachilek-based businessman, who had seen him recently, "but he's still there." 

His assets in Panghsang and Monghpen including paraphernalia from a refinery allegedly owned by him had been seized, following his dismissal. One of his men had been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, another 2 to 15 years each and the remaining 16 to 10 years each, said another. The rest of his unit had also been moved to Hsaohin Hsaohpa in Pangwai township. "Three battalions from Panghsang were dispatched to take over from the departing Bao's men in the area," he said. 

Bao Youhua, also known as Ta Mon, was in charge of security in the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes' Wa Alternative Development Project area in Mongpawk, Monghpen, Hotao, Mongka and Namphai, all south of Panghsang. 

The United Wa State Army has, since Monday (26 January), also holding a week long annual meeting, they said. "At the end of the meeting, Bao Youxiang (UWSA president and Youhua's elder brother) himself is expected to come down to Tachilek and detain his brother," one businessman predicted. 

The Nation, 25 January, gives credit of Bao's downfall to pressure from Thai and Burmese governments, but according to Mahasang, leader of the non-ceasefire Wa National Organization, the decision to oust him came only after President Bao's 3-day visit to China. 

Related report: Druglord gets the chop, S.H.A.N., 16 January 2004