Myitkyina observes International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Myitkyina
observes International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking









Yangon, 30 June- The ceremony to mark the International Day Against Drug
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held at Myitkyina Education College in
Myitkyina on 26 June morning.


Chairman of Kachin State Committee for Drug Abuse
Control Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe gave a speech.
Then, Kachin State Police Force Commander Police Col Tin Maung Maung read out
the message sent by Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.



Next, the commander presented a
prize to Dr Maung Maung Lwin who won the consolation prize in the (central
level) article contest to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking. Officials then presented prizes to the other winners in
essay, painting and computer arts contests. After the ceremony, the commander
and party viewed the booths to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking, at the hall.


CCDAC holds
press conference on drugs elimination activities

Yangon,
26 June – The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar held a press
conference concerning the drug elimination activities carried out by Myanmar at
the meeting hall of the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw Street
and Hanthawady Road in Kamayut Township here this morning.

Present on the occasion were the
secretary of the CCDAC and members, officials of the Myanmar Police Force,
departmental heads, responsible personnel of the News and Periodicals Enterprise
of the Ministry of Information, Patron of the Foreign Correspon-dents Club of
Myanmar U Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa, members, and guests.

Joint-Secretary of the CCDAC
Police Colonel Kham Aung explained matters related to the observance of the
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and the 17th
destruction ceremony of seized narcotic drugs held in Yangon.


Later, queries raised by
journalists were replied by Police Colonel Kham Aung and member of the CCDAC
Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein of the Ministry of Defence.

Government
striving for total eradication of poppy cultivation in Myanmar by 2013-2014
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorated

Yangon,
26 June – The ceremony to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking was held in conjunction with prize distribution of literary,
article, song, poem, painting, cartoon, poster, computer art and computer
digital competitions at the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw and
Hanthawady Streets in Kamayut Township this morning.

Present on the occasion were
Chairman of the Central Committee for Drugs Abuse Control Minister for Home
Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Vice-Chairman Minister for Progress of Border Areas and
National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, ministers, deputy
ministers, ambassadors of foreign embassies in Yangon, charge d’ affaires,
military attaches, resident represen-tatives of UN agencies and officials,
departmental heads, officials of social organizations, members of the panel of
judges for the competitions, prize winners, students and guests.

The CCDAC chairman delivered a
speech on the occasion. In his speech, he said that the competitions to mark the
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking have been yearly
organized for sixteen times with active participation of the entire nation. He
expressed his belief that similar ceremonies are also taking place in the
world’s nations. The aim of the this year’s motto, “Let’s talk about drugs” is
to convince children, families, teachers and organizations at different levels,
of the problem of drugs abuse. It depicts solution to drugs related problems
through open discussions, he noted.

Efforts for the development of
border areas where poppy is being cultivated, for fulfilling the basic needs of
poppy cultivators and raising their living standard, and for enabling them to
give up poppy cultivation play a vital role in an attempt to eliminate drugs
production.

As is known to all, the
government has been striving for total elimination of narcotic drugs production
after adopting the 15-year project, which started in 1999-2000. The project is
under implementation for ensuring total elimination of poppy cultivation in
Myanmar by 2013-2014.



The government has been
conducting such competitions, part of educative tasks for fighting against
narcotic drugs, with a view to enabling the students and youths to possess
patriotism, the spirit of safeguarding and defending their own nation, sporting
spirit, and the spirit of studying Myanmar literature, music and arts. Myanmar
has been making strenuous efforts to eliminate narcotic drugs with great
momentum based on its own strength and resources. In this process, he called on
the entire people, in conformity with the motto “Let’s talk about drugs”, to
face problems concerning narcotic drugs and then find out solutions to them by
holding open discussions.

In conclusion, he emphasized, in
this context, the importance of active and enthusiastic participation of the
entire people joining hands with the government.

Then, UNODC Resi-dent
Representative Mr Jean Luc Lemahieu read the message to mark the day sent by US
Secretary-General Mr Kofi A Annan, and donated K 150,000 for awarding the prize
winners to the chairman.

Afterwards,
the prize distribution ceremony followed. Minister Col Tin Hlaing presented
prizes for painting contest (aged under 10 division) to Ma May Thet Zin (first),
Maung Htet Naing Lin (second) and Ma Su Myat Noe Nwe (third), cartoon contest
(aged under 10) to Ma Hsu Yamin (first), Maung Ye Zar Ni Aung (second) and Maung
Thu Ta Zaw (third), and poster contest (under 10) to Maung Khant Pi Han (first),
Ma May Thet Zin (second) and Maung Thet Paing Soe (third).

Minister Col Thein Nyunt
presented first, second and third prizes for short story contest to U Soe Myint
(Chit Lwan Po-MRTV), Ma Than Than Soe and Daw Win Win Myint, and for article
contest to Daw Tin Yee (Phyu Mar Thant), Ma Saw Eindra Thet Maung and Ko Thet Oo
(Thet Oo Maung); Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, for poem contest to Warrant
Officer-I Moe Aung (Maung Maung Moe Aung), U Soe Myint (Chit Lwan Po-MRTV) and
Police Inspector Maung Than and for song contest to U Thein Soe (Thein Soe Moe),
U Tin Maung Hlaing (Tin Maung Hlaing) and Maung Tint Lwin (Tint Lwin Oo); Deputy
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, for painting
contest (aged 10 to 15) to Maung Kaung Myat Min Soe, Maung Thiha Tin and Ma
Khaing Myat Myo Tun Lin and for painting contest (aged 15-20) to Maung Si Thu
Aung, Maung Nanda Aung and Maung Ye Ko Ko Aung; Deputy Minister for Livestock
and Fisheries U Aung Thein, for painting contest (aged above 20) to U Aung Moe
(Shan Lay Painting), Ma Thet Phyu Win (University of Culture) and Ma Thazin Soe
Myint and for cartoon contest (aged 10 to 15) to Maung Wai Yan Myint, Ma Yamin
Naing Wai and Ma May Thin Nwe; Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, for cartoon
contest (aged 15 to 20) to Constable Thura, Maung Ye Ko Ko Aung and Ma May
Theint Tun Ni and for cartoon contest (aged above 20) to U Chit Han (Mawlamyine),
U Ye Aung Myat (Kyauksein YAM) and U Aung Moe; Deputy Minister for Social
Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, for poster contest (aged 10 to 15) to Ma Ei
Kay Thwe Tun, Ma Aye Htet Htet Aung and Ma Nanda Lin and poster contest (aged 15
to 20) to Ma Aye Aye Phyu, Ma Aye Ei Soe San and Ma Hay Man Thaw Ta Nyein; Mr
Jean Luc Lemahieu, for poster contest (aged above 20) Maung Zarni Tun, Ko Lay
Aung and Daw Khin Myo Myint Shwe and for computer art contest (middle school
division) to Ma Shwe Yi Win, Maung Paing Soe Thu and Ma May Eindra Kyaw; and
CCDAC Secretary Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Khin Yee, for computer art
contest (high school division) to Ma Tharaphu Aung, Maung Kaung Pyai Win and
Maung Aung Khant Zaw and for computer digital contest to Maung Saing Kham Tun Oo,
Maung Sein Lin and Maung Saing Richard Wu Baraing.

Then, Member of CCDAC Chairman of
Manitoring Committee for Working Groups of CCDAC Deputy Minister for Home
Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung presented certificates of honour and gifts to
the judges who contributed towards the contests through Myanmar Writers and
Journalists Association CEC Member

U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin),
MWJA Secretary Director (News) of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun
(Hla Tun-Twantay), MWJA Vice-Chairman U Myint Ngwe (Hinthada Myint Ngwe), U San
Tint (Tekkatho Hsan Tint Naing), Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans
Asiayon Chairman U Thaung Han (Painting Thaung Han), U Maung Maung Hlaing
(Cartoonist Shwe Min Tha), U Soe Myint (Pyay Soe Myint), U Soe Nyunt and Dr Kyaw
Thein.

Consolation
prizes given to winners of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking commemorative competitions

Yangon,
26 June – A ceremony to present consolation prizes to the winners of Yangon
Division in the literature, article, song, poetry, cartoon, poster, computerized
drawing, and computer digital poster competitions at central level held in
commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking, took place at the meeting hall of the Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Office here this afternoon.

Chairman of the Yangon Division
Drug Abuse Control Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe spoke on the occasion and
presented prizes to winners.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen
Myint Swe said that the ceremony was held to present prizes to winners
representing Yangon Division in the competitions to mark the International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The Yangon Division DACC, on behalf
of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, will present prizes to winners.

The drug problem is an ill legacy
left by the colonialists, who allowed the cultivation of poppy capable of
destroying the entire mankind in hilly regions. In consequence of it, the poppy
cultivation took root in Myanmar and the taking of heroin did dim the national
dignity and prestige. The colonialists used the narcotic drugs as a weapon of
destruction, he said.


Since the attainment of
independence up to now, the successive governments have enacted laws and
procedures that conform with times and conditions to eradicate the menace of
narcotic drugs. It is necessary, he added, to get the students imbued with
sporting spirit, national-defence spirit, and artistic talent.

Later, he thanked the winners for
their efforts to give credit for Yangon Division and urged them to try harder to
win first, second, and third prizes, instead of consolation prizes.

Then, Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented
consolation prizes to 55 winners of the novel, article, song, cartoon, painting,
poster, and computerized drawing competitions.


234
drug-related cases exposed in May

YANGON,
25 June – The Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force and Customs
Department exposed 234 drug-related cases in May. Among the seizures were
70.5903 kilos of opium in 38 cases, 4.7397 kilos of heroin in 102 cases, 4.517
kilos of opium oil in 8 cases, 8.8503 kilos of low grade opium in 10 cases,
4.3406 kilos of marijuana in 8 cases, 143,239 stimulant tablets in 42 cases,
18.0022 kilos of Ephedrine, 0.01 kilo of stimulant powder, 0.002 kilo of
speciosa in one case, 2 bottles of morphine in one case, 3723.988 litres of
chemical liquid in three cases, 18 cases of failure to register and three other
cases.

Action was taken against 273 men
and 86 women totalling 359 in 234 drug-related cases in May.


Myanmar elected
as member of UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Minister addresses CCDAC Meeting
2/2003

Yangon,
9 June – The meeting 2/2003 of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control was
held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon, with an
address by Chairman of the CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.

Chairman of the committee
Minister Col Tin Hlaing said launching of the New Destiny Project in 2002-2003
was an important stepping-stone for eradication of drugs, and according to the
New Destiny project, distribution of poppy-substitute seeds was made. Tasks for
distribution of perennial seedlings, pesticide and fertilizer, tasks for
research plantations, and model plantations, extended growing of annual and
perennial crops were also carried out harmoniously in the regions which were
contiguous to the regions covered by the project. The international community
acknowledged the success of the project which was aimed at eradicating poppy
growing and production in Myanmar. It is needed for the State to render
assistance to the farmers who no longer grow poppy. So, arrangements to help the
farmers are to be coordinated and implemented as soon as possible in 2003-2004
fiscal year, he urged.


He
continued to say that in 2002-2003 which is the fourth fiscal year of the
15-year plan, the Livestock Breeding Work Group distributed 174 pedigree pigs,
893 pedigree poultry, 11 pedigree cattle, 200 goats, 62 pigs and 1,662 poultry
to be raised, and 585,000 fingerlings in the regions covered by the project and
gave protection from diseases to 30,585 cattle, 10,004 pigs, and other 123,387
animals including poultry. He suggested that in 2003-2004 fiscal year, under the
Livestock Bank Project in the projected areas, distribution of various kinds of
animals is to be accelerated. The Medical Group issued notification in which 25
chemicals used in producing drugs were under controlled, the notification that
announced 113 psychotropic substances, the notification that announced 124
narcotic drugs and the notification on Control of Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances and with the help of the United Nations three courses on
drugs and one research work have been conducted, and gave treatment to 1,402
drug addicts and helping 117 in giving up using drugs in Mongbyin and Mongpauk
regions in Wa region (south) of Special Region-2.

Minister Col Tin Hlaing added
that Education Work Group conducted courses on drugs (district level) to 500
teachers from 22 townships in 12 districts in Wa region, Kokang region, Mongla
region, Kachin State, Kayah State, Shan State (North), (South) and (East) and
with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, central level
courses on Life Skills and HIV/AIDS were conducted for 1,155 teachers in 129
townships. With the cooperation of Myanmar Anti-Narcotic Association, talks on
scourge of drugs, and stimulant pills and HIV/AIDS were held for 25,257 students
from 26 basic education schools in Yangon Division and 500 talks and 24
multiplier talks were held at the schools covered by the project. Public
Organizing Committee distributed pamphlets seven times, 96 articles in magazines
and journals, 53 news items, 231 articles, 1,396 news photos and 300 photo
shows, 825 educative broadcasting on TV and radio, 5,221 broadcasting in
dailies, on radio and TV, opening of three IPRD Offices and 17 TV
Re-transmissions stations. The Rehabilitation Work Group, with the cooperation
of UNODC, conducted 10-day HIV/AIDS education and control course for supervising
volunteers in Taunggyi in Shan State and the Yangon Division Social Welfare
Institute and produced 50 drug addicts supervisors.

The Social Welfare Department
opened courses for drug addicts supervisors in Kayah State, Kayin State,
Mandalay Division, for 99 trainees. Tachilek Rehabilitation Camp was opened on 7
January 2003 and seven camps under the Social Welfare Department including Shwe
Pyitha/ Shwe Pyiaye camps gave treatments to 186 drug addicts in 2002-2003
fiscal year. He then urged to carry out the educative and rehabilitation tasks
with added momentum in 2003-2004 fiscal year. In the drug control sector, there
were seizure of 1221.99 kilos of opium in 380 cases, 365.55 kilos of heroin in
982 cases, 235.35 kilos of morphine in 2 cases, 80.24 kilos of low-grade opium
in 189 cases, 238.75 kilos of marijuana in 207 cases, 10,074,627 stimulant
tablets in 475 cases, 1,558.63 kilos of ephedrine in 8 cases, 32,305.73 litres
of chemical liquid in 15 cases, 4,844.23 kilos of chemical powder in 3 cases,
347,631 diazepam pills in 3 cases, and other narcotic drugs and paraphernalia in
277 cases and 229 cases of failure to register in 2002-2003 fiscal year and thus
altogether 2770 drug-related cases have been put before the court in the fiscal
year, he said.

 In 2003-2004 fiscal year,
drug control tasks especially control of trafficking in stimulant tablets will
be carried out with added momentum with the cooperation of neighbouring
countries. As regards cooperation with the international community, in 2002-2003
fiscal year, tasks for cultivation of poppy-substitute crops in Kokang region
under Myanmar-China Drug Control Programme and implementation of Youngkha
Village All-round Development Project in Monghsat Township with the cooperation
of Thailand have been carried out. Moreover, with the contribution of Japan,
canal of Mongka dam has been built in Mongkhat Township in Shan State (East) by
the Government of the Union of Myanmar and UNODC.

Meetings,
workshops and courses on drugs have been hosted in Myanmar with the cooperation
of international organizations and Myanmar has sent its delegations to
international conferences and meetings, courses and workshops on drug control.
On 4 April 2003, Myanmar together with other countries of Asia region was chosen
as member of United Nations Drug Control Commission which has 33 vacant seats.
Over the last year, Myanmar has been trying to be selected as member country in
UN Drug Control Commission. Tasks for opium yield survey were conducted for the
ninth time from 24 February to 3 March 2003 with the cooperation of the US
government in the regions of southern, northern and eastern Shan State. With the
cooperation of UNODC, ground survey tasks had been carried out three times from
January to March 2003 in 50 townships in Shan State. According to the survey in
2002, it can be seen that there were only 81,400 hectares of opium sown acreage
and opium yield decreased to 828 tons.


According
to the news in the last survey, there will be on the decrease of opium
production in 2003. Efforts are to be made for total eradication of opium
cultivation in 2003-2004, the final year of the first five-year in the 15-year
plan. He urged the respective committees to strive for realizing the goal in the
fifth budget year while maintaining the success achieved in 2002-2003 fiscal
year, the fourth year of the 15-year plan. Afterwards, Joint Secretary of CCDAC
Police Col Kham Aung reported on the implementation of resolutions of CCDAC
meeting No 1/2003 held on 28 February 2003. Chairmen of the respective work
committees of CCDAC and those present reported on work done and future plan and
assistance to be provided by the Government under New Destiny Project for poppy
growers who are now engaged in cultivation of poppy-substitute crops. The
meeting came to a close by the concluding remarks of Chairman of CCDAC Minister
Col Tin Hlaing.