From September, 2018 to October, 2019, the Commerce Ministry seized contraband worth an estimated Ks 15.6 billion in nine regions and states, said Union Minister for Commerce Aung Htoo.
The deputy minister replied to the question raised by Upper House MP Soe Thein from Kayah State Constituency-9 on December 2 in Upper House, about the measures to control illicit trade and conflict economy.
In replying to the question, the deputy minister said the incumbent government is implementing Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (2018-2030) composed of five pillars, for eternal peace, rule of law and sustainable development. For the fight against narcotic drugs, money laundering and development of businesses, the government has given priority to development of private sector and micro, small and medium enterprises.
In a bid to control illegal trade, the ministry formed the anti-illicit trade teams in nine regions and states, which are sharing border with neighbouring countries.
In addition, the government is working on the prevention and control against narcotic drugs in accordance with the Anti- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, poppy-substitute growing, supervision of restricted chemical, educative program and the use of modern machines for drug inspection. The Anti-Narcotics Drug Police made an investigation into money and moveable and immoveable things that come from drugs sale. Thanks to it, the police took action against ten money laundering cases in 2018 and 16 cases in 2019, he continued.
The government has stepped up its effort to fight against illegal trade, the deputy minister said.
