Authorities seized over 1,000 kilograms of ketamine, valued at more than 8 billion kyats, being transported from Kali Town, Konhein Township, Shan State, to Yangon. The seizure occurred in Loilem Town, southern Shan State, according to reports.

A joint team, including members of the Anti-Narcotics Police Force, intercepted two TOYOTA ALPHARD vehicles on April 13 around 6:00 PM at the Loilem toll gate on the Loilem-Taunggyi road. The vehicles were driven by Kyaw Akar Thein and Thet Naing. When ordered to stop for inspection based on a tip-off, Kyaw Akar Thein’s vehicle fled toward Taunggyi but was apprehended near Chokham village on the Loilem-Taunggyi road. The team confiscated 1,000 kilograms of ketamine, valued at 8.5 billion kyats, from the two vehicles.

Further investigation led to the arrest of key suspects, Yan Aung Kyaw (aka Aik Kyaing) and Tun Ko Ko (aka Aik Lon), on April 14 at 11:00 AM near Kyaing Phaung village, Yang Law village-tract, Kengtung Town. They were apprehended with a TOYOTA PRADO vehicle.

Investigations confirmed the ketamine was being transported from Kali Town, Konhein Township, to Yangon. The suspects are being prosecuted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and authorities are continuing to investigate to uncover other individuals involved in the operation.