THE Government of Myanmar regards the effective prevention and suppression of drug trafficking, which poses a danger to the entire human race, including future generations, as a national duty and is vigorously pursuing its eradication.
In addition to enhancing inspection, identification, and seizure operations along known drug trafficking routes and conducting joint operations with neighbouring countries to suppress drugs, it has been observed that drug traffickers and sellers are now exploiting the advantages of the sea and shifting to maritime routes instead.
The AA terrorist group has been trafficking and selling illicit drugs. They use the proceeds to purchase arms and ammunition, which they then use to carry out acts of terrorism in Rakhine State, including the harassment, torture, and killing of innocent civilians through armed coercion.
Following intelligence gathered by security forces, on the night of 5 November 2025, a raid was conducted at Warehouse 19, on the Strand Road in Hsinohpho Ward, Quarter 1, Pathein Township, Ayeyawady Region.
Security forces successfully seized 4,000 kilogrammes of the ICE, with an estimated street value of K120 billion, which was hidden and stored in an underground room and intended for shipment to Rakhine State and Malaysia. During the operation, two individuals were arrested – Khin Tun, the logistics in-charge for the AA terrorist group, and La Min Khant, who was responsible for storing the drugs.
Based on the confessions of the two arrestes, follow-up operations to apprehend connected suspects were launched on the morning of 6 November. These led to the arrest of Naing Lin at the Shwe La Min Hospital on Zaw Gyi Street in Lanmadaw Township, Yangon Region, and Zaw Min Htun (also known as Nyi Pu) in Htin Pon Seik Village, Pathein Township. Furthermore, on the waters in front of the “Kaung Kaung” crab farm in Ma-aing Village-tract, Kyunsu Township, Taninthayi Region, authorities seized the cargo ship MV Shewletwar, which was used for drug transport, along with its ten crew members — Maung Soe (coxswain), Khin Win, Aung San Oo, Aung Zin Latt, Win Naing, Aung Lin, Kyaw Min Latt, Htein Min Thu, Kyaw Ko Ko Htwe, and Than Htike Oo. Later that evening, the crackdown continued with the arrests of Win Win Htun (also known as Win Htun) in Ward 3, Chaungtha, Aung Myo Win (also known as Min Thar Gyi) on Mya Palethwe Road, Quarter 2, Chaungtha, and Ar Sar (also known as Wa Toke) in Mawtawkone Village, Pathein Township. Finally, that night, Dora Stephen, who stored drugs at the Bawzawady rice shop on Padauk Shwe Wah Street in Myeik, was apprehended.
Subsequently, at midday on 7 November, the cargo ship MV Shwewady, which was also used for drug trafficking, was seized while being dry-docked at Seikgyi Khanaungto Jetty.
That same evening, the key suspect, Maung Nge, was apprehended at Yangon International Airport. Maung Nge, who operated the “Bawzawady” rice trading business and the “Utopia Future” real estate business as a front, was the person who commissioned the delivery of the drugs from Pathein to Malaysia. On the afternoon of 8 November, two brothers who served as boat workers involved in the drug shipment, Aung Soe Lin and Aung Ko Lin, were arrested in Quarter 2, Shwethaungyan, Ayeyawady Region.
Finally, on the afternoon of 9 November, the suspect Htun Htun Lin was further apprehended near the “Bawzawady” rice shop on Padauk Shwe Wah Street in Myeik.
Following further intelligence gathered by security forces, a search was conducted at midday on 11 November at House 9/470, Wankaung Ward, Tachilek, the residence of the linked suspect Ah Wei (also known as Shauk Htan (a) Than Maung), who commissioned the drug shipment but remains at large. The search yielded several firearms, including one US-made M-4, an A-1 rifle with two magazines and 26 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, one Italian-made BERETTA pistol with one magazine, and one US-made SIG SAUER pistol with two magazines. Additionally, on 16 November, two further arrests were made — Dora Moss, apprehended in Quarter 1, Kyaunggon Township, and Peter Phoe, apprehended at the Shwe Min Thamee Hotel in the Mya Kyun Thar Housing Estate, Quarter 3, Pathein. Consequently, the entire operation resulted in the arrest of a total of 24 male suspects and the seizure of one M-4, an A-1 rifle, two pistols, and two cargo ships. Based on the statements made by the arrestees, it was established that Ah Wei (also known as Shauk Htan and Than Maung) from Tachileik (who remains at large) and Ta Kaw from Wamhing Village (who remains at large) were responsible for arranging the transfer of drugs originating from the Wamhing area, Kehsi Township, Loilem District.
The drugs were transported to Pathein using various methods, including concealment within secret compartments specially constructed in oil bowsers, and also by mixing and disguising them among other goods loaded onto cargo trucks.
Upon arrival in Pathein, the drugs were temporarily stored and concealed at Warehouse No 19 on the Strand Road, which is owned by Maung Nge. The operation successfully intercepted the shipment while Maung Nge and his team were preparing to transport the drugs to Malaysia, and Khin Htun, the logistics in-charge for the AA terrorist group, and his team were preparing to transport a portion to Rakhine State.
Therefore, it is announced that further action will be taken to ensure the arrested suspects are effectively prosecuted under the law. Efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects and associated individuals who are still at large. The public is informed that any information regarding drug trafficking can be reported to the relevant authorities confidentially. Rewards will be secretly and appropriately conferred upon informants and those who cooperate in making arrests.
MNA/KZL
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