I would like to explain drug trafficking and the distribution of AA terrorists to the media. These drug trafficking and distribution by AA terrorists are a danger not only for Myanmar but to regional countries. In the past, I have said that the AA terrorists have been relying on narcotic drugs for their standing. Now, 3,438 kilogrammes of ICE and 2,198 kilogrammes of Ketamine worth K195.85 billion to be distributed to Rakhine State and Malaysia were seized in the last week of September. Based on information provided by a responsible citizen who did not wish to tolerate drug trafficking and the terrorist acts of the AA terrorists, authorities learned that narcotic drugs were being transported from Shan State through Yangon to be sent on to Rakhine State and Malaysia. Acting on this information, a search and seizure operation was conducted. As a result, on the Hlegu-Phaunggyi road in Hlegu Township, authorities intercepted a vehicle driven by Aung Khant Kyaw, together with conductor Htet Wai Phyo, and seized 1,439 kilogrammes of ICE valued at K35.97 billion. According to the confessions of the arrested suspects, in addition to those who arranged the drug trafficking, further investigation led to the arrest of Zaw Lin and Saw Zin Min Han from Sipintha Village, Htantabin Township. At their homes, authorities seized 1,999 kilogrammes of ICE worth approximately K49.97 billion, along with the offenders. Similarly, from a warehouse at the residence of Kyaw Naing near Thamasaitta Village in Thongwa Township, authorities seized 2,198 kilogrammes of ketamine worth about K109.9 billion, together with the drivers, conductors, and vehicles used for transportation. The seized narcotic drugs were traced back to the Wamhai area in Kehsi Township, Loilem District of southern Shan State. They were being transported by those in charge of business section of the AA terrorists, Ye Zaw and Chit Min, who had arranged to move the drugs from Wamhai through Yamethin, Yangon, and Rakhine State, and then onward to Malaysia via maritime routes. The arrests were made while this operation was underway.

The AA terrorist group has been involved in drug trafficking and distribution through various means since around 2013. They have used multiple methods of packaging and even concealed drugs inside fuel bowsers for transportation. To ensure large-scale drug trading, they have transported narcotics ranging from small to massive quantities. Confessions from arrested members of the AA insurgents also revealed that these drug transport and distribution operations were carried out under direct instructions from the group’s leader, Tun Myat Naing. In connection with the AA terrorist group, drug seizures have been made as follows: one case in 2015 worth about K1.65 billion; four cases in 2019 worth about K59 billion; one case in 2020 worth about K10 billion; two cases in 2023 worth about K155.87 billion; two cases in 2024 worth about K3.22 billion; and six cases so far in 2025 worth about K1,003.93 billion. From 2015 up to the present, there have been a total of 16 drug seizure cases linked to the AA terrorist group, with an overall value amounting to approximately K1,233.67 billion. These figures clearly show the magnitude and danger of the problem. It also demonstrates how the AA terrorist group has been transporting narcotic drugs from areas under its control in Rakhine State to various regions across the country. In the 2023 drug seizure case linked to the AA terrorist group, six members of the group were involved Tun Lin (aka) Pyone Cho at the level of Lieutenant, Nay Lin Tun (aka) Nor Naw (aka) Kyaw Soe at the rank of Second Lieutenant, Soe Tun at the rank of Second Lieutenant, Kyaw Han at the rank of Seageant, Private Kyaw Lin San, and Private U Tun Nu. Upon systematic investigation, it was found – based on their confessions – that they were operating under the direct instructions of AA terrorist group leader Tun Myat Naing, and that the operation was led and managed by Kyaw Myat Oo (aka) Thar Thar (aka) Wai Tha Tun at the rank of Colonel of the AA terrorist group. Similarly, in subsequent cases, those arrested were also found to be individuals connected with the AA terrorist group and actively involved in drug operations organized and overseen by the group’s leadership. The AA insurgent groups have been paying and luring residents with money to transport narcotic drugs, not only selling them within Rakhine State but also trafficking them across the border into Bangladesh and other countries via maritime routes. It was also mentioned by the Commander of the Ramu Command of Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) himself during a press conference on 15 September that such activities have been taking place. In the past, when Myanmar’s border guard police were able to effectively maintain security along the Rakhine–Bangladesh border, such incidents were well controlled. However, in areas now under the AA insurgent group, their members themselves have been found directly transporting narcotic drugs into Bangladesh and other countries without obstruction. It has further been discovered that the money earned from these drug trafficking and distribution operations is being used to purchase provisions, arms, and ammunition.

The PDF insurgent groups operating under the AA insurgent group’s network have also been involved in drug transportation and distribution routes. Their desire to profit from these illegal activities has led to large-scale arrests. Following these crackdowns, internal financial shortages, conflicts, betrayals, and even mutual accusations and killings have occurred within their groups. Up to now, a total of 823 members of PDF terrorist groups across the country have returned to the legal fold. In addition, there are still groups that are in contact and making arrangements to return to the legal fold. From 2018 to the present, the Government has announced 27 ceasefire statements with various Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). Furthermore, due to political differences, the government has also extended an invitation three times to the PDF and other armed groups to return to the legal fold and resolve issues within the framework of the law. At this point, what I would like to say is that the AA insurgent group is not only carrying out insurgent activities under the pretext of racial and ethnic issues, but is also engaging in the trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs a danger to all humankind not only within Rakhine State but across Myanmar and even to neighbouring countries. Although they claim to be acting in the name of ethnic interests, it is in fact the Rakhine youth themselves who are becoming victims of drug abuse. Therefore, as national brethren and citizens of Myanmar must all stand together to oppose the extremist acts of the AA terrorist group the so-called Arakan Drug Army whose operations harm the people of Myanmar and pose threats to neighbouring countries as well. I would also like to urge everyone to promptly report any related information to the responsible authorities. Thank you all.

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