Marijuana possessor gets 30 years' imprisonment

Yangon, 29 Dec - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Yangon Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Win Naing on Mindhamma Road in Ward 3 of Mayangon Township at noon on 29 January 2000. The authorities seized 1.306 kilos of marijuana. Bayintnaung Police Station filed Win Naing, 35, son of U Hla Tun at the compound of the breeding farm in Ward 3, Mayangon Township, under the Sections 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. On 29 November, Yangon West District Court sentenced Win Naing to 5 years' imprisonment under the Section 15 and 25 years' under the Section 19 (A) of the law to serve separately.

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255 drug-related cases exposed in November

Yangon, 28 Dec - The Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Police Force and the Customs Department exposed 255 drug-related cases in November 2000. Seizures made by them were 36.3714 kilos of opium in 24 cases, 7.1419 kilos of heroin in 80 cases, 0.013 kilo of opium oil in one case, 15.0992 kilos of low-grade opium in 12 cases, 40.8977 kilos of marijuana in 41 cases, 25.48 litre of phensedyl in four cases, 214,312 stimulant tablets in 46 cases, 5.559 kilos of ephedrine in one case, one case of stimulant powder, 4856.092 litres of chemical liquid in one case, 37 cases for failure to register and seven other cases.

Action was taken against 369 persons' 288 men and 81 women-in connection with 255 drug-related cases in November.

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Vicious cycle of narcotic drugs will speedily if half is given to be constructive and contributory to regional people to struggle free from evil dark shadows

Yangon, 27 Dec - An opening ceremony of the Drugs Elimination Museum in Laukkai, Kokang Area, Shan State North Special Region-1, was held at the museum today with an address by Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt....Full Story

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Two men get imprisonment for drug trafficking

Yangon, 26 Dec-A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, searched Soe Naing (a) Tun Naing, 33, son of U Sein Tun, of Daukyat Village, Bilin Township, at Kayinlay Seik Village, Thaton Township on 19 August and arrested him together with 695 WY brand stimulant tablets. Further information led to arrest of Kyi Aung, 44, son of U Maung Shwe, of Awingyi Village, Shwe-yaungpya Village-tract, Bilin Township, who was involved in the case.

Action was taken against the two under Section 15/19 (A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Theinseik Police Station. Soe Naing (a) Tun Naing was sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) and Kyi Aung to 15 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A)/21 by Thaton District Court on 1 December.

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Drug traffickers sentenced

Yangon, 23 Dec - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched the bus with number plate 2Ka/1228 at the branch of Tangyan Road in Lashio Township at 9.10 am on 23 July. The authorities seized the opium oil cake weighing 8.2 grams in the purse, 12 packets of opium weighing 20,994 kilos and seven packets of opium oil cakes weighing 571.6 grams in the paper box of passenger Ma Hu Kyein Phaw, 41, daughter of U Gun Hlo of Ward 5 in Lashio Township. Lashio Police Station-1 filed Ma Hu Kyein Phaw under the Sections 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. On 21 November, Lashio District Court sentenced Ma Hu Kyein Phaw to 12 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A).

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Two men jailed for drug trafficking

Yangon, 21 Dec - The Katha District Court handed down a sentence of 20 years' imprisonment each on two men for trafficking raw opium on 23 November this year. The case was that a combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Railways Police Force, acting on information, at 10 am on 29 January 2000, searched Maung Maung Than and Maung Maung Myint on board sleeping coach (B) of Mandalay-Myitkyina No 41 up train and seized 6.124 kilos of raw opium kept in their knapsack. The Intaw Police Station filed Maung Maung Than, 37, son of U Aik, of Mogaung Region, Aungban, and Maung Maung Myint, 39, son of U Kyaw Mya, of Ward 9, Kalaw, under Section 15/19 (A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The Katha District Court heard the case and sentenced the two to 20 years in prison each under Section 19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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Drug traffickers get prison terms

Yangon, 21 Dec-The Kengtung District Court passed a sentence of prison terms on two drug traffickers on 6 September this year. The case was that acting on information, at Tapin check-point, Kengtung, on 9 August 2000, personnel of local intelligence unit and Kengtung Anti-drug Squad, searched a Toyota Hilux with a number plate 9Ka/3872 with Aik Tun at the wheel and Aik Hsa, a passenger, and seized 218,000 stimulant tablets and two packets of chemical powder weighing two kilos. Aik Tun, 33, son of U Thein Pe, of Pansai, and Aik Hsa, 24, son of U Aik Hsan, the same town, were filed under Section 15/19(A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The Kengtung District Court sentenced Aik Tun to 3 years' imprisonment under Section 15 and 30 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) to serve separately and Aik Hsa to 31 years' imprisonment under Section 19(A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame conveyed to Thanlyin

Yangon, 21 Dec - A ceremony to convey South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame was held in the hall of the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street in Lanmadaw Township this morning. Present were Director-General of the Department of Health Dr Wan Maung, Deputy Director-General Dr Soe Aung, directors and officials, Head of Yangon Health Department Dr Tin Maung Win and officials, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and officials, district and township level departmental officials, heads of Township Health Department, members of social organizations and students exceeding 1,500.

Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein took the flame from the stage at 7 am and handed it over to leader of the anti-tobacco flame conveying team athlete Phone Myint Teza. The team conveyed the Anti-Tobacco Flame by car, flanked by athletes and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. The anti-tobacco flame was conveyed along Bogyoke Aung San Street, Botahtaung Pagoda Road,  Maha Bandoola Street, Maha Bandoola Bridge, Shukhintha Road, Thanlyin Bridge and Kyaikkhauk Road.

The anti-tobacco flame arrived at Thiha Dipa Sports Hall at 7.45 am. The anti-tobacco flame was welcomed by Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Sein, district and township level departmental officials, members of social organizations, students and band troupes totalling 2,500. Athlete Phone Myint Teza handed over the anti-tobacco flame to Lt-Col Maung Maung Sein, who conveyed and put it up at the designated place on the stage in Thiha Dipa Sports Hall. Then, a ceremony to mark the planting of the anti-tobacco flame was held in Thiha Dipa Sports Hall in Thanlyin, Yangon South District, at 8 am.

Also present were Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Dr Soe Aung and officials, Head of Yangon Division Health Department Dr Tin Maung Win and officials, district authorities, heads of Township Health Departments, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, USDA, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade. Lt-Col Maung Maung Sein extended greetings, and Dr Tin Maung Win explained matters related to the anti-tobacco flame. Then, authorities, departmental heads, officials and students viewed the anti-tobacco educative exhibition. While the anti-tobacco flame is in Thiha Dipa Sports Hall, Thanlyin, anti-tobacco educative TV programmes will be shown and the exhibition will also be opened from 9 am to 5 pm.

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Seminar on project design and management on drug control held

Yangon, 18 Dec-A seminar on project design and management on drug control jointly-sponsored by Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and the United Nations Drug Control Programme under the technological support project among organizations in the sub-region being implemented under the MoU signed by six nations was held at Myanmar Literacy Resource Centre in the compound of Myanmar Educational Research Bureau on Pyay Road this morning. Present were heads of departments from the Ministry of Defence, Myanmar Police Force and CCDAC.

Joint Secretary of CCDAC Police Col Kham Aung, deputy resident representative of UNDCP Regional Office in Bangkok Mr Bengt Juhlin and resident representative of UNDCP in Yangon Mr Jean Luc Lemahieu spoke. Altogether 41 participants attended the seminar which continues till 22 December. Eradication of narcotic drugs, reduction of demand, drafting the control project and management will be discussed.

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Poppy fields destroyed in Shan State

Yangon, 18 Dec-The State Peace and Development Council is speeding up the drug eradication work as a national task. Tatmadaw columns, members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force and local people, under the arrangement of local battalions, are destroying illegal poppy fields in remote areas in Shan State.

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Secretary-1 attends Special Meeting 5/2000 of CCDAC

Yangon, 17 Dec - Special Meeting No 5/2000 of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control was held in the meeting hall of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) this morning with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were ministers, the Chief Justice, deputy ministers, the director-general and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the director-general of Myanmar Police Force, heads of department, senior police officers and guests. The Secretary-1 said that some western big nations made preposterous accusations of narcotic drugs against Myanmar; turning a blind eye to the true historical events concerning production of narcotic drugs and taking account of their self-interest, they levelled accusations against Myanmar.

Myanmar have got international drug control agencies, such organizations as UNDCP and DEA and international media persons to come and conduct studies, and experts of the USA came to Myanmar and carried out surveys many times. As a result, they found out that the accusations of the western nations are totally wrong. When the results of accusations about narcotic drugs levelled at Myanmar fell short of their expectations, they came to accuse Myanmar of using so-called forced labour. No matter what kinds of accusations have been brought against Myanmar, measures are being taken to continue the work according to the plan and to make necessary responses. Necessary clarifications and responses have been made at UN General Assembly, ASEAN meetings, ASEAN and EU meetings. At the same time, efforts for elimination of narcotic drugs are being speeded up region-wise according to the 15-year narcotic drug elimination plan.

The tasks related to agriculture, livestock breeding, industries and construction of roads, which are being undertaken by Wa nationals, are picking up. It is believed that due to economic development, narcotic drugs can be wiped off the face of the region during the set period. The officials who are engaged in the activity of narcotic drugs control are to do their level best in trying to root out narcotic drugs in the regions covered by the narcotic drug elimination plan. Task forces have been formed according to the plan, and they are to be further strengthened with additional personnel if need be. These forces, in conjunction with non-governmental organizations, are to strive for national solidarity and elimination of narcotic drugs, and to report on progress of work with facts and figures.

Then, Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on cases related to narcotic drugs exposed in states and divisions, the condition of giving treatment to drug addicts, measures taken for prevention of danger of narcotic drugs in the circle of students, educative measures and rehabilitation. Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of MPF Police Col Soe Win reported on implementation of decisions made by Special Meeting No 3/2000. Then, those present discussed cultivation of opium-substitute paddy, corns and buck wheat, livestock breeding work and providing financial assistance for trainees receiving medical treatment. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.

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South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) planted at Institute of Nursing (Yangon)

Yangon, 15 Dec - A ceremony to welcome and convey the South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) was held at Yangon International Airport at 11.30 am today.

Present at the airport to welcome the flame were Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo, Director-General Dr Wan Maung of Health Department, Director-General Dr Paing Soe of Medical Research Department, officials of the Ministry of Health, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu, athletes, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and schoolgirls totalling over 1,000. The South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame arrived here from Maldives by air at 11.30 am today. First, Senior Administrator Mr Hassan Mohamed of the Ministry of Health of Maldives conveyed the flame and handed it over to Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo.

Those present at the airport welcomed the flame waving the anti-tobacco flags. Then, the Deputy Minister handed over the flame to athlete Ko Phone Myint Teza who brought honour to the State. The athlete conveyed the flame, flanked by outstanding athletes and USDA members, to the car which will carried the flame.

When the convoy, carrying the flame, left the airport at 11.50 am, those present at the airport waved the miniature flags. On arrival at the junction of Bogyoke Aung San Road and Pyay Road in Yangon West District, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, departmental officials, members of USDA, MCWA, MNCWA and Red Cross Brigade and students welcomed the flame waving the flags with accompaniment of band troupe. At the junction at 12.20 noon, athletes handed over the fame to Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein.

The District Chairman, flanked by departmental officials, athletes and USDA members, carried the flame to the hall of Institute of Nursing. In the hall of the institute, Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein handed over the flame to Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo who planted it on the dais of the hall at 12.30 pm. Then, a ceremony to mark the planting the flame was held. Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo read out the address of the Minister for Health.

Then, Resident Representative of World Health Organization Dr Agostino Borra gave a speech. Next, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented first, second and third prizes to Maung Thant Zin Thu of South Okkalapa Basic Education High School No 2, Maung Hlaing Chit Zaw of Insein BEHS No 3 and Ma Naygyi Maung Maung of Tamway BEHS No 4 respectively and consolation prize winners in the basic education high school level essay competition to mark the anti-tobacco smoking. Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented first, second and third prizes to Maung Khun Hto of Hline BEHS No 2, Ma Naw Orchit of Kyimyindine BEHS No 4 and Ma Mya Thin Khaing of Tamway BEHS No 4 respectively and Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo presented prizes to consolation prize winners in the basic education middle school level essay competition. Then, ministers, deputy ministers and officials viewed the South East Asia Anti-Tobacco Exhibition at the hall. The exhibition will keep open from 9 am to 5 pm daily up to 20 December.

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Work coordinated to speed up efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs

Yangon, 14 Dec - A coordination meeting on drawing up a plan to speed up efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs in Kokang region in 2002 and in Wa region in 2005 was held in the meeting hall of Headquarters of Myanmar Police Force today. Chairman of the Committee for Supervising Working Groups under the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung addressed the meeting.

Also present were Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and officials, officials of CCDAC and guests. Police Maj-Gen Soe Win reported on drawing up specific plans for eradication of narcotic drugs in Kokang region and Wa region. Then, a general round of discussions followed. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the deputy minister.

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Two men, woman jailed for drug trafficking

Yangon, 13 Dec - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and battalion, acting on information, on 13 May, 2000, searched a bullock cart at Nyaungbintha Village, Kyaukkyi Township, and seized 11.266 kilos of marijuana. The authorities arrested Myint Thein, Tun Thein and Ma Thaung Tin in connection with the seizure of the marijuana. Mone Police Station took action against Myint Thein, 25, son of U Than Aung, Aunggyi Nyaungbintha Village, Kyaukkyi Township, Tun Thein, 40, son of U Tun Myaing, and Ma Thaung Tin, 20, daughter of U Aung Khin, the same village, under Section 15/19 (A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The Toungoo District Court handed down a sentence of 25 years' imprisonment on Myint Thein under Section 19 (A) and 20 years' imprisonment each on Tun Thein and Ma Thaung Tin under Section 19 (A)/21 on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law respectively on 14 November.

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Man and woman get imprisonment for drug trafficking

Yangon, 8 Dec- The Myitkyina District Court passed a sentence of ten years' imprisonment each on a man and a woman for drug trafficking on 20 October this year. The case was that a combined team comprising personnel of local intelligence unit and Myitkyina Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 17 August 2000, searched the house of Lajawla, Hmaw Shan Village, Hpa-kant Township, and seized 571.55 grams of opium. On further investigation, Ma An Khwon Kawt was then arrested. The Hpa-kant Police Station filed Lajawla, 50, son of U Lajawgar, and Ma An Khwon Kawt, daughter of U La Khwon Naw, the same village, under Section 15/19 (A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The Myitkyina District Court heard the case and sentenced them to ten years in prison each under Section 19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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Talks on danger of tobacco held in Ahlon

Yangon, 8 Dec - Under the leadership of Ahlon Township Peace and Development Council, the talks on danger of tobacco hailing the South-East Asian Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF), co-organized by Ahlon Township Health Department and Maternal and Child Welfare Association, was held at the town hall in Ahlon Township this noon. Present were Chairman of Ahlon Township Peace and Development Council U Khin Maung Shwe, Township Health Officer Dr Lay Nu Aung, Chairperson Daw Khin Mya of MCWA, officials, teachers and students totalling about 500. Then, Township Health Officer Dr Lay Nu Aung and writer Theikpan Hmu Tin gave talks on the danger of tobacco.

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Man sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment

Yangon, 7 Nov - The Yangon East District Court handed down a sentence of 30 years in prison on an illicit drug trafficker on 20 October this year. The case was that a combined team comprising personnel of local intelligence unit and Yangon Division Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 14 May 1999, searched the house of Aung Khaing Zaw, No 985, Duya Street, Ward 49, Dagon Myothit (North) Township, and seized 1.63 kilos of marijuana. The Dagon Myothit (North) Township Police Station filed Aung Khaing Zaw, 30, son of U Sein Maung, under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. (See page 2) The Yangon East District Court heard the case and sentenced him to 25 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) and five years' imprisonment under Section 15 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law separately.

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Arrangements for opening Kokang Region narcotic drugs control museum discussed

Yangon, 6 Dec - A coordination meeting on displaying of exhibits at the Kokang Region narcotic drugs control museum was held at the meeting hall of Myanmar Police Force this morning. It was attended by Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of MPF Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the work committee, the Superintending Engineer of Public Works, officials of CCDAC and guests. Police Maj-Gen Soe Win delivered the opening address. He said the opening ceremony of the museum is to be held in the very near future, and he called for efforts to get the exhibits ready for the museum. The exhibits include sculptures, photos, paintings, and documentaries on agriculture and livestock breeding appropriate for Kokang region. Police Maj-Gen Soe Win also spoke at length on the work to display exhibits at the museum. Afterwards, members of the CCDAC and departmental officials reported on the arrangements and preparations. The meeting came to a close with the CCDAC Secretary's remarks.

Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin met the Buddhist mission of the People's Republic of China led by Mr Daw Shuren at his office on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro-Rector (Admin) of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe and officials of departments under the Ministry. The mission visited the University and the Tooth Relic Pagoda this morning.

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Talks on danger of narcotic drugs to students

Yangon, 5 Dec - A ceremony to open talks on the danger of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances co-organized by Kyauktada Township Drug Abuse Control Committee and Township Anti-Narcotics Association was held at the hall of No 1 Basic Education High School, Kyauktada Township, this morning. Also present on the occasion were the township health officer, physicians from Psychiatric Hospital, the chairman of Township Peace and Development Council and members, members of USDA, MMCWA, Myanmar Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, the Township Education Officer, the principal, teachers and students. Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Maung Maung Soe delivered an opening speech. Vice-President of Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association U Nyunt Maung and Dr U Ba Thaung of the Psychiatric Hospital gave talks on the danger of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with the use of slides and the viewed the exhibition.

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59.604 kilos of marijuana seized in Toungoo

YANGON, 4 Dec - A combined group comprising member of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, searched the house of Saw Pay Ta Yu (a) Saw Peter at 6th-Mile Village, Kyauktaing Village-tract, Toungoo Township, at 2 pm on 9 June.

The group nabbed RK Barmar (a) Tin Win, U Than Win, Ohn Thwin, U Saw Ba Aye, Byasa Muni and Ramma Sarlar with 59.6W kilos of marijuana.

In this regard, Toungoo Police Station No 1 field Saw Pay Ta Yu (a) Saw Peter, 40, son of U Mya Han of 6th-Mile Village, Kyauktaing Villagetract, Toungoo, RK Barmar (a) Tin Win, 38, son of U Ramma Legan Thadugan Village-tract, Phyu, U Than Win, 64, son of U Lwe Si of Kahse Village; Toungoo, Ohn Thwin, 36, son of U Nyi Pu of Mogaung Village-tract, Toungoo, U Saw Ba Aye, 57, son of U Pho Chan of Kyauktaing Village-tract, Byasa Muni, 45, son of U Ramma Lakhan and Ramma Sarlar, 24, son of U Maranthi under the Sections 15/19 (A)/ 21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Law On 1 November, Toungoo District Court sentenced Saw Pay Ta Yu (a) Saw Peter to 30 years' imprisonment under the Section 19 (A), RK Barmar (a) Tin Win, U Than Win, Ohn Thwin, Byasa Muni and Ramma Sarlar 25 years' each under the Section 19 (A), U Saw Ba Aye 25 years' under the Section 19 (A)/21 and 4 years under the Section 15.

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Two drug traffickers sentenced to 30 years

Yangon, 1 Dec - Lashio District Court sentenced two men to 30 years' imprisonment each for possession of 4,156,000 stimulant tablets on 31 October this year. The members of the local intelligence unit and anti-drug squad, acting on information, arrested the two drug traffickers, Ah Wai (a) Ah Phu, who was staying at a guest house in Lashio, and Kya Pe of Lashio at the guest house on 1 June. Further investigation had led to the seizure of WY brand stimulant tablets weighing 374.04 kilos in a white van. Lashio police filed a law suit against Ah Wai (a) Ah Phu of Muse, 31, son of U Ah Khay, and Kya Pe, 43, son of U Chin Mi according to the law.

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