Over 1.5 million stimulant tablets worth over K2 billion seized in Kale and Mandalay

More than 1.56 million stimulant tablets with an estimated street value of nearly K2.94 billion were seized during a series of anti-drug operations in Kale and Mandalay, according to sources.

Acting on a tip-off, officers stopped and searched a SURF vehicle driven by Aung Aung Htun (aka) Aung Gyi at the entrance to Kale on July 13. The search uncovered 600,000 stimulant tablets with an estimated local value of K1.5 billion.

Based on information obtained during the investigation, authorities arrested Htaung Shin Khine, who was allegedly waiting to receive the drugs, along with a PRADO vehicle in Tahan Ward, Kale, on July 14. Another suspect, Ma Kyin San Nyaung (aka) Ma Nyan (aka) San San, was arrested at a residence in Tat Oo Thida Ward.

Further investigations led a joint task force to arrest Zaw Zaw Latt and Ma Nwe Ni Lwin at a guesthouse in Yae Chan O Ward, Ward No. 12, Pyin Oo Lwin, in the early hours of July 17. Another suspect, Hlaing Thalun  (aka) Par Taung, was arrested at his home in Tahan Ward, Kale.

Following the suspects' confessions, authorities raided a house in Ward (Sa), Pyigyidagun Township, Mandalay, where they seized an additional 960,000 stimulant tablets valued at approximately K1.44 billion. The total seizure from the operation reached 1.56 million tablets worth an estimated K2.94 billion.

Investigators later arrested another alleged accomplice, Htan Lam Kyin, at a warehouse in Saut Taw Wa Village, Amarapura Township.

Police said the investigation identified two key suspects believed to have organized the trafficking of the drugs from Mandalay to Kale: Ma Su Mon Lwin (aka) Su Lay (aka) Ma Su, a resident of Kan Gyi Village in Kale Township, and Aung Kyaw Oo, a resident of Ward 4, Lashio. Both suspects remain at large.

All arrested suspects have been charged under Myanmar's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Authorities said investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the trafficking network.

Police also said they are pursuing legal action under the Anti-Money Laundering Law to confiscate illicit proceeds and assets derived from the drug trafficking operation for the benefit of the State.