Myanmar authorities say members of the Arakan Army (AA), including senior leaders, have been involved in drug trafficking cases on at least 24 occasions between 2016 and December 23, 2025. According to confessions, those arrested were not operating for personal profit but were carrying out assigned duties for the AA.

Speaking at the Central Committee for Counter-Terrorism meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on December 29, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt Gen Tun Tun Naung said terrorist groups worldwide fund their activities through illegal means such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. He stated that the AA’s drug trade has expanded significantly, covering the smuggling of chemical precursors, drug production, storage, domestic distribution, and cross-border export links with international drug syndicates.

Authorities claim that about 70 percent of profits from the drug trade are used to purchase weapons, including through exchanges with international arms-smuggling networks. The AA is also accused of money laundering—using methods such as cryptocurrencies—and involvement in transnational crimes including arms trafficking and human trafficking.

The minister stressed that terrorism, drug crimes, money laundering, and human trafficking are closely interconnected and often cross borders, making regional and international cooperation essential. He emphasized information sharing, legal cooperation, and coordination with international partners such as INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL.

Myanmar has drafted a National Policy Guideline on Counter-Terrorism and plans to develop a national counter-terrorism strategy, calling on committee members to provide feedback and recommendations.