Authorities have been urged to step up inspections and take legal action against drug use and sales at KTVs, bars, night clubs, entertainment venues, hotels, motels and guesthouses, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe said.
He made the remarks at the first meeting of the Central Committee for Prevention and Control of the Dangers of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances for 2026, held at the Arindama Hall of the Myanmar Police Force Headquarters on September 16.
Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe, chairman of the central committee, called for continued anti-drug operations based on the successes of Operation 42. He also stressed the need to prevent the entry of not only narcotic drugs but also precursor chemicals, related materials and chemists involved in drug production.
He said authorities should work with the Myanmar Navy, Marine Police Force and port authorities to intercept and seize drugs and related materials at maritime entry and exit points.
He further instructed authorities in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and regions and states to conduct inspections at KTVs, bars, clubs, entertainment venues, hotels, motels and guesthouses to prevent drug use and sales, and to investigate and arrest those involved.
From 2025 through August 2026, a total of 58 fugitives wanted in connection with drug-related offences were arrested in Myanmar and were being handed over to the relevant countries, according to the minister.
He also said that more than K4.285 billion in assets had been seized for the state in 685 drug-related cases during 2025, while more than K3.585 billion had been seized in 356 cases through August 2026.
The meeting was attended in person by Deputy Chairman and Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Phone Myat, Secretary Police Chief Lt-Gen Soe Hlaing, the deputy secretary, the commander of the Anti-Narcotics Police Force, members of the central committee, chairpersons and secretaries of working groups, Myanmar Police Force officials and representatives from relevant ministries.
Chairpersons, deputy chairpersons, secretaries and joint secretaries of regional and state committees for prevention and control of narcotic drugs also attended the meeting via video conference.
