Some leaders of National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) claims that Mongla, Hsilu and Nampan areas in Eastern Shan State Special Region (4) are now totally free from narcotic drugs.
"We invite anyone at any time to check if our region is free from drugs. If you cannot come here in person, you can send a helicopter to check. We dare you to prove that our region is not a drug-free zone. If any drugs are found there, break my neck off," said Kham Maung, information officer of NDAA.
Hsilu region administrator Sai San said his region has about 10,000 acres of opium-substitute crops.
"We mainly grow sugarcane. Rubber and bananas are also grown. We export sugarcane to China. We earn about Chinese Yuan 40 million a year from sugarcane export," he commented.
Special Region (4) Peace and Unity Committee vice chairman San Pait said a report was submitted to the then government in 1992 for implementation of a six-year long anti-drug project. The whole region cleared away poppy cultivations, winning recognition from international social organizations.
San Pait revealed the information during the celebration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Mongla on June 26.
At the event, narcotic drugs and related equipment worth K12.06 billion were incinerated.
Special Region (4) has won international recognition in fighting narcotics. The effort includes educational campaigns, information sharing, and exposing of drug lords, NDAA announced.
