International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit

Trafficking observed

 

Yangon, 26 June

– A ceremony to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit

Trafficking and to present awards for literature, article, song, poem, painting,

and poster was held at the meeting hall of the administration building of Drug

Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw and Hanthawady Roads in Kamayut

Township here this morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Central Committee for Drug

Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Vice-Chairman of CCDAC

Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs

Col Thein Nyunt, the ministers, the chief-justice, the deputy ministers, Dean of

Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Laos to Myanmar Mr Ly Bounkham and officials,

departmental heads, officials from social organizations, prize-winners, students

and guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Col Tin Hlaing said today is the

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Every year on this

day we have participated actively on a national scale in celebrations to mark

this auspicious occasion, which have been staged annually for the last 15 years.

At the outset, on behalf of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control may I

express my appreciation to you all for taking time out to attend this ceremony.

On this occasion to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and

Illicit Trafficking, I am pleased to say we have included a ceremony to award

prizes to the winners of the competitions on short stories, articles, songs,

poems, cartoons, paintings and posters. This the fifth time the competition has

been held and prizes awarded. Today’s ceremony is significant because it is

preceded this morning by the occasion of the 16th Destruction of seized Narcotic

Drugs, an event in the premises of the Drug Elimination Museum inaugurated last

year highlighting Myanmar’s endeavour and successes in the combat against drugs.

The scourge of narcotic drugs is threatening and harming not

only Myanmar, but also the entire human race. The Government with full

commitment and sincerity has been striving resolutely for the elimination of

narcotic drugs with her own resources. The Head of State and the leaders being

so enthusiastic and ardent on the task that CCDAC and relevant Ministries were

able to intensify their efforts in the elimination of narcotic drugs. In

striving for elimination of narcotic drugs, the development of border areas

where poppy is cultivated and produced must be effected; their food, clothing

and shelter needs to be fulfilled. Furthermore, to upgrade their living

standards and change their convictions and attitudes, are deemed important

factors to be implemented so that they will willingly abandon poppy cultivation.

It is common knowledge that we have never concealed nor denied the fact that

opium poppy is illegally grown in the border areas of Myanmar.

Some of the national races residing in the remote border

areas adjacent to our neighbouring countries do not have a choice but to grow

poppy, not to get rich but only for their livelihood and subsistence. Actually,

the people who get rich are the traffickers and financial backers of narcotics

who in carrying out their nefarious trade have been traversing with impurity

into the neighbouring countries. For elimination of narcotic drugs, the evil

legacy that the colonialist and neo-colonialist intentionally left  behind to

tarnish the prestige of the country and the people, the government has laid down

plans and as a national duty is resolutely and systematically striving for total

elimination from the face of the country.

Previously, we have seizures of opium and heroin only but

have now witnessed a gradual increase in the seizure of stimulants. For the

production of stimulant tablets essential materials/precursor chemicals,

paraphernalia, expert chemists and fund are being invested is involved only as a

base for the production of stimulant tablets. This sequence of events has

gradually spawned the habit of stimulant abuse which is manifested by the

seizure of stimulant tablets across the whole of the country. The danger of

stimulant tablets needs also to be effectively controlled and enforced. In our

efforts apart from supply elimination and law enforcement programmes the

national races in border areas while being educated and persuaded to give up

poppy cultivation are at the same time, assisted with substitute crop and other

alternate income generating enterprises. Regional development programmes and

uplifting of their living standards are also being implemented elimination of

poppy cultivation and narcotics the government has laid down plans and is

implementing the “15 Year Narcotics Elimination Plan” is known to all. The plan

was launched in 1999-2000 fiscal year and has entered into the fourth year. The

plan is divided into 3 phases, in 51 Townships of prioritized regions.

The significance during the fourth year of the programme is

that poppy farmers voluntarily surrendered to the authorities poppy seeds and

dried poppy bulbs. These were destroyed by burning early this month in Lashio

and Laukai in Northern Shan State. Up to 9 June 2002 in Shan State (North), Shan

State (South), Shan State (East), Kayah State and Mandalay Division the poppy

farmers becoming aware of the Government’s goodwill, surrendered to the

authorities poppy seeds, poppy seed bulbs and implements, meant to be used in

the coming poppy growing season. The surrendered poppy seeds totaled 73,696 Pyis

(120, 346 kilos). In a way it amounts to, preventing the cultivation of 73, 679

acres of poppy. If calculated on the estimated yield per acre of 4.4 kilos, the

total yield will be 324.2 tons of opium that will be able to produce 32.42 tons

of heroin worth 31.89 billion US dollars was destroyed. Up to this date the

surrendering and confiscating of poppy seeds are still in progress. For being

able to implement the above tasks, the supply reduction sector will surely see a

marked decline in production of opium in the coming year.

Myanmar is endeavouring for the proclamation of Kokang and Wa

Regions as “Opium Free Zones” by year 2005. Likewise, measures have been

undertaken to proclaim three border towns, Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthaung as

“Drug Free Towns” in the near future. While intensifying law enforcement efforts

for elimination of opium poppy cultivation, drug abuse and demand reduction work

committees should draw up and implement specific plans and programmes for the

designated zones under consideration. Then only supply and demand elimination of

drugs measures will be undertaken simultaneously enabling the proclamation of

“Opium Free Zones” a possibility benefiting the people living in these regions

to enjoy a pleasant life free of drugs.

The endeavours of the government, coupled with the

cooperation of the poppy farmers and the full participation of the national

ethnic groups will no doubt lead to the establishment of more “Opium Free Zones”

around the country inevitable leading Myanmar to become a country free from

narcotic drugs. On the other hand, this will greatly contribute to control and

contain the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic, which is in line with the UN slogan for

2002 “Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS”.

In the demand reduction sector, trafficking, transaction and

abuse of stimulants among students and youths are being investigated and

appropriate action is being taken. Preventive measures in the form of effective

preventive drug education are undertaken in schools, wards, and villages by

regional authorities. Sporting spirit the love and will to defend one’s country

in the students and the arts are instilled in the students and youths.

Therefore, we have invited the public and the students and youths to take part

in short stories, articles, poems, songs, paintings, cartoons and posters

competitions. This has been the fifth time the competition has been staged. The

winners will be awarded with handsome prizes; the 1st prize 50,000 kyats, the

2nd prize 30,000 kyats, the 3rd prize 20,000 kyats and special prizes 10,000

kyats each, the amount awarded have been increased from previous years. The

UNDCP Office in Yangon has every year contributed towards the competition. This

shows how much the UN encourages those who are engaged in narcotics elimination

tasks.

The participation of both professionals and amateurs in the

literature, song, cartoon, painting and poster competitions will not only have

the effect to instill the wish to pursue literature, music and the arts but also

the involvement amounts to shouldering a national duty. I wish to invite you to

actively take part in the competitions in the coming years also. As the number

of competitors increases so also will the number who wish to oppose narcotics

increase. In conclusion may I take the opportunity to thank those who have given

your time to attend this occasion and also to the personnel from respective

departments, scholars, musicians and artists who took part in the competition

and make this event a success. Then, Resident Representative of UNDCP Mr Jean-luc

Lemahieu read out the message on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and

Illicit Trafficking sent by the UN Secretary-General, which is reported

separately.

Next, Mr Jean-luc Lemahieu presented K 150,000 to Col Tin

Hlaing for prizes of the competitions. At the under-10 painting

prize-presentation ceremony, Col Tin Hlaing gave away the first, second and

third prizes to Maung Kyaw Zeya, Ma May Thet Zin and Ma Su Myat Noe Nwe

respectively and prizes to special prize winners. In cartoon competition, Maung

Ye Zani Aung won the first, Maung Kaung Zaw Win the second and Maung Htet Naing

Lin the third and prizes were presented by Col Thein Nyunt, who also gave

special prizes to winners. In poster competition, Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented the

first prize to Khant P Han, second to Ma May Thet Zin, third to Nilar Shon Lat,

and special prizes to winners.

Minister for Labour U Tin Winn awarded first, second and

third prizes to U Soe Myint, U Thein Swe and cadet Tin Zamaw respectively and

awards to special prize winners in short story competition. In article

competition, the first prize went to Daw Tin Yi and the third to Sub-inspector

Khine Nyein Tun. Prizes were awarded by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and

Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, who also presented awards to special prize

winners. The Chief-Justice U Aung Toe gave away first, second and third prizes

to WO I Moe Aung, cadet Aung Ko Ko Thet and U Soe Lwin and special prizes to

winners at poem competition.

In song competition, first, second and third winners WOII

Phone Myint, U Soe Htut Khine and U Aye Lwin and special prize winners were

presented prizes by Mr Ly Bounkham. In painting competition of under 10-15,

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung handed first, second

and third prizes to Maung Kyaw Zaw Lin, Kaung Myat Min Soe and Maung Zin Ko Ko

and special prizes to winners. In painting competition of under 15-20, Deputy

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein awarded first, second and third to

Ma Aye Myat Mon, Maung Si Thu Aung and Ma Aye Ei Soe San, and prizes to special

prize winners. At painting competition of age 20 and up, Ye Aung Myat took away

the first prize, U Aung Moe second prize and Maung Hla Han third prize. Deputy

Minister for PBANRD Than Tun gave away the prizes. Deputy Minister for SWRR U

Hlaing Win presented awards, first to Ma Nwe Oo Wai, second to Maung Kaung Htaik

Zaw, and third to Ma Thin Zalwin, and then special prize winners at cartoon

competition under 10-15.

At cartoon competition of under 15-20, Deputy Chief-Justice U

Khin Maung Aye handed first award to police private Thura, second award to Ye

Lin Htut, and third award to Ma Aye Aye Phyu, and special prizes to winners. In

cartoon competition of age 20 and up, Mr Jean-luc Lemahieu presented first,

second and third awards to U Thein Tun, U Hla Htut Oo and U Maung Maung Lay, and

awards to winners of special prizes.

In poster competition of under 10-15, Ma Su Win Htaik, who

stood first; Ma Su Myat Now, who stood second; Ma Thin Zalwin, who stood third;

and winners of special prize were given awards by Indonesian Ambassador to

Myanmar Nasaruddin Koro. Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Myanmar Pehin Dato

Haji Hussin Bin Haji Sulaiman presented prizes to first, second and third

winners Maung Thura Aung, Maung Sithu Aung and Maung Nanda Aung and winners of

special prize in poster competition of under 15-20. For poster competition of

age 20 and up, Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon handed first

award to U Htay Aung, second to U Zaw Win and third to Maung Ye Htut Aung, and

awards to winners of special prize. Later, the ceremony came to an end after

Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win

presented gifts to U Tin Hlaing (Letwintha Sawchit), on behalf of members of

scrutinizing board of the competitions. After the ceremony, Col Tin Hlaing and

party had a documentary photo taken together with the winners of the

competitions.

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Myanmar, China gaining success in collectively wiping out

drug trafficking

Yangon, 21 June

– The State has designated the narcotic drugs elimination task as a national

duty. It is accelerating the task at the common borders in cooperation with the

neighbours. The People’s Republic of China and Myanmar are gaining success in

exchanging information on the illicit trafficking of drugs. At the China-Myanmar

Junior Officials’ Meeting on Narcotic Drug Control held in Ruili, PRC, on 2 May,

2002, Chinese delegation discussed cooperation in arresting Chinese national

culprits at large who trafficked in drugs.

Of them, it was learnt that Htan Minchumk (a) Shikham, 40,

the main culprit in trafficking 500,000 stimulant tablets in Lonlin Township in

June 1997, was illegally living in Honhai village, Kokang region, after sneaking

into Myanmar territory. The authorities managed to arrest Htan Minchumk (a)

Shikham in Shwehsin, a new town in Laukkai, on 10 June 2002. Laukkai District

Police Commander Police Maj Khin Maung Myint handed over Htan Minchumk (a)

Shikham to Police Commander Police Col Kaw Kyintte of Lushi Public Security

Department, Yunnan Province, the PRC, on 18 June 2002.

Myanmar has been arresting and handing over culprits to the

PRC since 2001-2002. It has handed over culprits seven times including two times

of handing over altogether 13 culprits under the arrangement of Wa nationals of

Special Region 2, Shan State (North) and documents one time. Drug abuse control

measures are being taken with added momentum in border areas under close

cooperation with the PRC in the exchange of information.

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127,336.93 kilos of poppy seeds destroyed in this poppy growing season
Production of about 34.309 tons of heroin prevented

Yangon, 20 June

, According to the programme of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, the government is implementing New Destiny, a project for eradication of poppy cultivation, as of this year in Shan State (North), Shan State (South) and Shan State (East) where poppy was most cultivated. The project is being implemented by means of the law and administration, distributing seeds of opium substitute crops and controlling poppy seeds. Educative talks on cultivation of opium substitute crops have been given to poppy growers, and at the same time, seeds of crops suitable to the regions have been distributed. As a result, poppy growers, realizing the goodwill of the government, handed over poppy seeds and pods collected to grow in this poppy growing season of their own accord. Up to 8 June 2002, 62,002.375 pyis (101,298.07 kilos) of poppy seeds and 46,681.25 pyis (76,230.481 kilos) of poppy pods were put to torch in Lashio and Laukkai, Shan State (North).
Poppy growers handed over of their own accord 28.675 pyis (46.82 kilos) of poppy seeds in Shan State (East) and 4,252 pyis (6,943.57 kilos) of poppy seeds in Shan State (South). These poppy seeds were destroyed in Kengtung and Mongton in Shan State (East) and Hopon and Loilem in Shan State (South).
Up to 16 June 2002 in this poppy growing season, altogether 66,307.05 pyis (108,279.41 kilos) of poppy seeds and 46,681 pyis (76,230.073 kilos) of poppy pods Ñ 58,579 pyis (95,659.507 kilos) of poppy seeds and 46,681 pyis (76,230.073 kilos) of poppy pods in Shan State (North), 5,625 pyis (9,185.62 kilos) of poppy seeds in Shan State (South), 90.05 pyis (147.045 kilos) of poppy seeds in Shan State (East) and 2,013 pyis (3,287.229) kilos of poppy seeds in Mandalay Division Ñ were handed over and destroyed. The poppy seeds handed over and the poppy seeds derived from the poppy pods handed over totalled 77,977.3 pyis (127,336.93 kilos).
These poppy seeds can be grown on over 77,977 acres of land. If an acre of poppy yields 4.4 kilos, 343,098.8 kilos (343.098 tons) of opium can be obtained. Therefore, production of about 34.309 tons of heroin can be prevented.

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Collaborative drug abuse control measures being taken with added momentum along Myanmar-China border

Yangon, 13 June, The government is taking narcotic drug control measures as a national duty with added momentum in border areas in cooperation with neighbouring countries. The cooperation between Myanmar and the People’s Republic of China has met with success in exchanging information. At the China-Myanmar Junior

Officials’ Meeting on Narcotic Drug Control held in Shweli, PRC, on 2 May, 2002, Chinese delegation discussed cooperation in arresting Chinese national culprits at large who trafficked in drugs.

Chinese national culprit Yue Chun Da (a) Yan In Nein (a) Yan Gui Yon (a) Yue Kun Da, aged 26, son of U Yue Chao Jie, was arrested in Muse on 26 May, 2002. Director of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Col Tin Maung Htay handed over the culprit to In-charge Mr Wang Hu of Die Hong Dai Drug Squad, Yunnan Province, PRC on
Drug abuse control measures
10 June, 2002 for exposure of connected information in PRC.
Myanmar has been arresting and handing over culprits to PRC. In 2001-2002, it has handed over culprits for six times including two times hand over of 13 culprits under the arrangement of Wa nationals of Special Region-2, Shan State North and documents for once. Drug abuse control measures are being taken with added momentum in border areas with close coopeartion with PRC in the exchange of

information.

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Timber smuggling exposed

Yangon, 7 June –

The Government is taking appropriate measures for environmental conservation and

prevention of deforestation. However, some unscrupulous persons, paying top

priority to their own interest, are engaging in illegal timber trafficking and

timber export, and the authorities concerned seized smuggled timber in May.

A combined team consisting of members of the local

intelligence unit, MPF and the Forest Department, acting on information,

searched Shwephala forest reserve in Zigon Township, Bago Division on 3 May and

seized 25.918 tons of ownerless illegal teak logs at Block No 107. Another

combined team, acting on information, intercepted a vehicle (6 Ka/7591) which

was on its way from Yinmabin to Mandalay near Lethnyohto Village in Myittha

Township on Yangon-Mandalay Highway on 7 May and seized 5.9 tons of illegal logs

of hard wood on board the vehicle.

Another seizure of 11.3178 tons of teak was made on 14 May by

a similar combined team at the map reference O-843637 near Kaungwun Village in

Muse Township. The teak was on board the two China-made Trawler-Gs. Likewise,

the authorities concerned seized 16.9198 tons of assorted sawn teak on a vehicle

(1Kha/3431) on Yangon-Mandalay Highway near Mayin Village in Bago Township on 24

May, and 2002 pieces of teak and 1576 wood figurines of various kinds were

seized on three vehicles which were driven from Bhamo at 14th Mile Junction in

Momauk Township on 25 May.

Action is being taken against those who were involved in the

illegal timber trafficking. The authorities concerned are lying in wait for

illegal timber traffickers who are using bypasses to avoid the check-points.

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198 drug cases exposed in April

Yangon,

4 June – The Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Police Force and the Customs Department

exposed 198 drug-related cases in April 2002.

Seizure made by them were 51.3224 kilos of opium in 44 cases,

42.1454 kilos of heroin in 58 cases, 43.4 kilos of morphine, 0.004 kilo of opium

oil in one case, 1.7508 kilos of low grade opium in five cases, 29.8808 kilos of

marijuana in 24 cases, 113.86 litres of Phensedyl in seven cases, 244,022

stimulant tablets in 36 cases, 10.543 kilos of Ephedrine in one case, 0.0067

kilo of stimulant powder, 3.58 litres of cough syrup in three cases, 2.3515

kilos of Speciosa in one case, 18.184 kilos of Acetic Anhydride, 1,152.934

litres of chemical liquid in one case, 900 kilos of chemical powder, 15 cases

for failure to register and two other cases. Seizure made by Tatmadaw battalions

and units were 26.6115 kilos of opium in seven cases, 0.05 kilo of heroin in two

cases, 43.4 kilos of morphine, 16.982 kilos of marijuana in one case, 79.2

litres of Phensedyl in one case, 21,460 stimulant tablets in three cases, 18.184

litres of Acetic Anhydride, and 18.184 litres of chemical liquid. Seizure made

by MPF were 24.7109 kilos of opium in 37 cases, 42.0954 kilos of heroin in 56

cases, 0.004 kilo of opium oil in one case, 1.7508 kilo of low grade opium in

five cases, 12.8988 kilos of marijuana in 23 cases, 34.66 litres of Phensedyl in

six cases, 222,562 stimulant tablets in 33 cases, 10.543 kilos of Ephedrine in

one case, 0.0067 kilo of stimulant powder, 3.58 litres of cough syrup in three

cases, 2.3515 kilos of Speciosa in one case, 1,134.75 litres of chemical liquid

in one case, 900 kilos of chemical powder, 15 cases for failure to register and

two other cases.

Action was taken against 288 persons 228 men and 60 women.

One of unusual incidents was the combined squad, acting on information,

intercepted the suspicious-looking vehicle with Thai number plates 3113 in front

of Dipakyaw Market near the friendship bridge of Tachilek with two Thai

nationals on board on 1 April. The authorities arrested Thai national Mr Dang

while the other managed to escape.

A total of Chuhnakaung Globe Brand 89 packets of heroin

weighing 31.15 kilos, Triple Nine Brand 16 heroin blocks weighing 6.41 kilos

numbering 37.55 kilos of heroin were seized after making a thorough search on

the vehicle. Action was taken against him by Tachilek Police Station. On 3

April, the combined squad, acting on information, struggled with Law Yin Kwe who

arrived at Ward 12 in Lashio with a passenger bag and seized 100,000 stimulant

tablets in the bag. His arrest led to taking action against Aik Sai (a) Aik

Kyaing who involved in the case by No 1 Lashio Police Station.

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