Authorities in Myawaddy, a border town in Kayin State, are stepping up efforts to crack down on fish-game gambling halls as part of measures to eliminate drug-related offences, other criminal activities and gambling, according to reports.

Kayin State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Col. Soe Moe Win said authorities were intensifying efforts to identify and arrest operators of fish-game gambling halls and prevent such businesses from resuming operations in Myawaddy.

Speaking at the third regular session of the Kayin State Hluttaw, Col. Soe Moe Win said authorities were acting on information received from partner organizations and reliable informants to locate and take action against fish-game gambling venues and related gambling activities.

On the second day of the third regular session of the third Karen State Hluttaw held on the morning of August (11), Deputy Speaker of the Karen State Hluttaw, who was elected from Constituency No. (1) of Myawaddy Township, asked whether there is a plan to arrest and take action against gambling and gaming establishments in Myawaddy, Karen State. The Minister for State Security and Border Affairs, Colonel Soe Moe Win, responded.

The Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force, relevant departments, partner organizations, and neighborhood administrations have jointly conducted random inspections, patrols, and received advance information from reliable informants to arrest and take action against gambling and gambling establishments in Myawaddy.

As a result, as of August 4, 2026, the Myawaddy District Police Department has opened (13) cases of fish game gambling within the area of the Myawaddy District Police Department, and a total of (164) suspects, (99) males and (65) females, have been arrested and taken into custody, and (2,595,000) kyats and (79) gaming machines have been confiscated.

In addition, in Myawaddy, thieves are said to be hiding in the fish game gambling houses and often go out at night to commit thefts and house burglaries.