Wa Leader in Hiding After Being Accused as Drug Smuggler

Wa Leader in Hiding After Being Accused as Drug Smuggler

A source from the Shan States Army reported that the leader of Wa National Organization disappeared after being accused by Thai police as a drug entrepreneur. 

Sao Mahasang, President of Wa National Organization that refused to join the 1989 ceasefire pact of the United Wa State Army with the Rangoon authorities disappeared after Thai police named his as one of the two men who were attempting to import 5.7 million tablets of amphetamines into Thailand during a press conference held last month. 
The Shan States Amy official, who requested anonymity, said: "It is quite unfortunate, because we had to cancel an all Shan States meeting which included himself". The meeting was due to be held on 10 July. "The meeting aims to set up a more coordinated and concerted organization of Shan States against SPDC". 

The other person named by the Thais as Mahasang's partner is his own half brother, Mahaja, who surrendered with Khun Sa in Homong in 1996. He is reported by Bangkok Post on 25 June to have set up a business company called the Shan State South Company.