According to a statement from the Drug Enforcement Police Force, authorities in Yangon Region have arrested a drug trafficking syndicate attempting to smuggle over 3 tons of Ice (methamphetamine) and 200 kg of ketamine—valued at more than 96 billion kyats—to Malaysia. The operation was reportedly managed by a married couple who were economic officials of the Arakan Army( AA).
On March 6 at around 7:30 pm, law enforcement officers raided a warehouse at No. 546/547, Sinphyushin Road, Ward No. 144, South Dagon Myothit Township, Yangon Region, following a tip-off. During the search, five individuals—Than Lwin, Weya Aung @ Thar Gyi, Thant Kaung Set @ Paung Chain, Ye Yint Naing, and Hla Than Oo @ Ra Kwat —were arrested along with 1.2 tons of Ice, a Toyota Hilux, a Toyota Land Cruiser, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
Further investigations revealed that the seized Ice originated from Wa Self-Administered Zone’s Pangsang Township under the arrangements of Tin Maung Win and was transported by Than Lwin for resale in Yangon.
Additionally, it was discovered that Hein Sithu @ Zaw Zaw Aung @ Aung Ko Ko @ Htin Lin Pyae was responsible for reselling the drugs in Yangon. Another suspect, Tin Hla @ Sa Thit was found to be facilitating the resale of psychotropic drugs and was arrested in Ward No.104 of South Dagon Myothit Township, Yangon Region.
Following further intelligence, at around 9:30 pm on March 6, authorities intercepted a Hyundai Box vehicle driven by Kyaw Kyaw Thein @ Kyaw Kyaw@ Athe Laye on Thudama Road in North Oakkalapa Township, Yangon Region.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 1.265 tons of Ice and 200 kg of ketamine. Investigations confirmed that the drugs were to be smuggled by Shwe Kaung Thar motorboat to Malaysian waters under the supervision of AA's economic official Ye Win @ Kyaw Soe Lin and his wife. They coordinated shipments with Min Min Soe, who was responsible for transporting the drugs from Yangon Region to Malaysia using the Shwe Kaung Thar motorboat.
Min Min Soe was arrested in Loikaw Township, Southern Shan State, and was found to have previously smuggled drugs to Malaysia in February 2023 using the same boat. The mastermind behind these smuggling operations was identified as Myo Min Soe @ Ko Myo who was arrested along with a Celsior vehicle on Thudama Road in North Oakkalapa Township. A subsequent raid at his residence in Ward No.49, North Dagon Myothit Township, Yangon Region, led to the seizure of an additional ton of Ice.
Authorities also arrested Kyaw Wai Tun, Thein Tun @ Thant Zin, Yan Shin Aung, and Zaw Zaw Aung in Ward No.4 in Seikkyi Kanaungto Township, Yangon Region, along with the Shwe Kaung Thar motorboat. In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of 3.465 tons of Ice and 200 kg of ketamine, valued at approximately 96.625 billion kyats.
Ye Win @ Kyaw Soe Lin and his wife Ma Thida Myint, who managed the operation, also owned 16 passenger transport vehicles and operated bus terminals in Thanlyin Townshipin Yangon Region, Taunggyi Township in Southern Shan State as well as Mandalay and Yangon Regions.
All arrested individuals are being prosecuted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Authorities are also taking legal measures under the Anti-Money Laundering Law to confiscate any profits and assets gained through drug trafficking, as per the official statement from the Drug Enforcement Police Force.
