In a significant drug bust, a narcotics trafficking syndicate was apprehended in Pyigyitagon Township, Mandalay, with over 7.3 billion kyats worth of illicit substances, including 11 kilograms of heroin and more than 4.6 million stimulant tablets, according to a statement released by CCDAC MYANMAR.
The operation took place on February 1 at around 5:30 PM. A joint task force, including members of the anti-narcotics police, was monitoring the area between 53rd Street between 142nd Street and 143rd Street in Pyigyitagon Township, Mandalay, based on intelligence about an impending drug transaction. During the surveillance, two individuals, Zaw Min Naing and Zin Ko Ko Lwin, were arrested along with a light truck, a motorcycle, and 11 kilograms of heroin.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of several other individuals involved in the syndicate. Ma Kyaw Kay Khaing, also known as Nan Mway Lyan, who acted as a broker receiving a 10% commission for facilitating heroin transactions, was apprehended at the corner of 78th Street and 115th Street in Pyigyitagon Township. Additionally, Aik Sai, found with 200 stimulant tablets, was arrested on 72(A) Street between 117th Street and 118th Street. Khun Myat, also known as Naw Naw, and Sai Thein Myat, also known as Sai Lay, were captured at the corner of 151st Street and 71(A) Street with a PRADO vehicle.
Further arrests included Sai Aik Yon, who was found with 25 grams of opium at a residence at 112(B) between 50th Street and 51st Street. His confession led to the discovery of an additional 4.694 million stimulant tablets in a warehouse located on 61st Street between 124th Street and 125th Street. Investigations revealed that the warehouse was rented under the direction of Aik Paung from Wan Haing, Kyaythee Township, Southern Shan State, and managed by Ko Aung for storing narcotics.
The syndicate's operations involved multiple layers, including brokers, transporters, and money handlers. The total seized items included 11 kilograms of heroin, 4.6942 million stimulant tablets, 25 grams of opium, three vehicles, and one motorcycle, all valued at over 7.3 billion kyats.
The members of the narcotics trafficking syndicate are being processed according to the law, and investigations are ongoing to uncover further links in the criminal network.
