Authorities have arrested several individuals involved in the illegal sale of ancient gold objects excavated during the construction of a canal in the ancient cultural area of Bagan. 

The incident occurred during the canal construction project in Myinkapar village, Nyaung U Township, Mandalay Region, which aims to improve water flow in the area.

On September 20, workers, including U Nyo aka Ko Ko Nyo and others, discovered a pottery vessel while digging a ditch for the canal project. Inside the vessel, they found ten gold bracelets, two gold balls, and some gold beads, believed to be ancient artifacts. However, instead of reporting the discovery to authorities, the items were sold for personal gain. 

Aung Phyo took the gold bracelets and two gold beads, selling them for personal use, while U Nyo aka Ko Ko Nyo divided the remaining gold items among the workers.

Security forces arrested Aung Phyo on November 9, while Sein Tun and Aung Moe were also brought in for questioning. Investigations revealed that Aung Phyo sold the gold items at the house of U Tin Maung Swe in Mandalay for 54 million kyats. U Nyo (a) Ko Ko Nyo sold some of the gold ornaments for 94 million kyats, and from the proceeds, Aung Phyo, Sein Tun, and other workers received 5,250,000 kyats each.

In total, five gold bracelets were seized from Aung Moe, and Aung Phyo was found to possess three gold coins, various gold ornaments worth over 4 ticals, and other gold items.

 A case has been filed at the Bagan Police Station under the Antiquities Protection and Conservation Law, and legal action is underway against Aung Phyo, Sein Tun, Aung Moe, and U Nyo (B) for their involvement in the illegal trade of the ancient gold artifacts.