A joint team of the Anti-Narcotics Police and the Myanmar Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC Myanmar) made a major drug bust in Nawnghkio Township, Shan State (North) on January 17.

Acting on a tip-off, they stopped and searched a 12-wheeler Fuso vehicle near Magyiye village at about 7.30 am. The vehicle was driven by Nai Oo and Chit Kaung, who were going from Yatsauk to Nawnghkio. The search revealed 2,000 kilos of Ice (methamphetamine) hidden under paper cartons and beer cartons. The drugs were worth about 30 billion kyats in the local market.

The two drivers were arrested on the spot. Further investigation led to the arrest of Zaw Myo Lin (aka) Ko Lin, who had hired the drivers to transport the drugs.

According to CCDAC Myanmar, the drugs were intended to be shipped from Shan State to Ayeyawady Region and then smuggled abroad by sea. The arrestees are facing legal action and the authorities are trying to track down and arrest more suspects involved in the drug trafficking network.