EFFORTS to curb illegal trade, led by the Illegal Trade Eradication Steering Committee, are being carried out effectively by the law.

On 25 October, combined on-duty teams seized two types of industrial materials and two types of consumer goods, valued at K531.89 million, without official documentation from 25 containers at the Asia World Port Terminal container checkpoint. Additionally, illegal teak weighing 0.525 tonne and other illegal timber weighing 0.709 tonne, worth K173,249, were seized in Magway and Minbu districts. The action was taken under the Forest Law and Customs procedures.

On 27 October, combined teams conducted further inspections, leading to the seizure of two types of industrial materials, valued at K25 million, smuggled and stored near a riverbank in Kawthoung. Another type of consumer goods, worth approximately K9 million and lacking proper documentation, was confiscated from a warehouse in the Innlaymyaing industrial zone in Myeik. Illegal timber weighing 11.18 tonnes and valued at K1.118 million was also seized in Kalwin Village-tract in Myeik Township. The action was taken under the Forest Law and Customs regulations.

Additionally, illegal teak weighing 19.4 tonnes and hardwood weighing 3.772 tonnes, valued at K10.298 million, were captured in the Bago, Toungoo, and Pyay districts. The action was taken under the Forest Law.

Across 25 and 27 October, 13 arrests were made, resulting in the confiscation of illegal items valued at approximately K577 million. The Illegal Trade Eradication Steering Committee highlighted that illegal trade poses a significant obstacle to the country’s economic development and has a major impact on the socioeconomic sector. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts against illegal trade.

MNA/MKKS

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