Haul in Rangoon tipped by Chinese narcs

_{4 February 2009}
 
Heroin was encased inside teak logs to be exported, they said. “The Chinese already have much experience with the technique,” said one, “as several shipments to China in the past were caught in the same way.”
 
Among those being interrogated was U Kyaw Sein, managing director of Olympic Construction, owned by tycoon U Aik Tun, who formerly owned the Asia Wealth Bank, closed since 2005 on charges of money laundering activities.
 

_{U Aik Tun, photo: www.myanmar.gov.mm}

As the condemned teak logs were believed to have originated in Kengtawng, Mongnai township, Shan State South, where several companies including Htoo Company of U Tayza have been operating, speculations were raised during the planning meeting of drug officials in Taunggyi  whether he could have been involved, according to one source.
 
The Chinese officials had made their entry into Burma through the Mongla-Daluo checkpoint, he added.
 
“Whether or not U Tayza is involved, it is likely he may get away with it, if last year’s crackdown on Maung Weik proves anything,” commented a businessman in Rangoon.
 
Maung Weik, known to be one of the richest men in Burma, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. Many were surprised his partner, Aung Zaw Ye Myint, 30, son of Lt-Gen Ye Myint, was not included.