[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index ][Thread Index ]

NEWS - Junta Officer: Dealing in Dr



Subject: NEWS - Junta Officer: Dealing in Drugs Okay Until 2005

SHAN HERALD AGENCY FOR NEWS

23 October 1999

No: 10 - 25

Junta Officer: Dealing in Drugs Okay Until 2005

A close subordinate of Gen Khin Nyunt was reported to have told a group
of
drug operators in eastern Shan State that they could engage in drugs
until
the year 2005, reported an informed source from the border.

Maj. Nyan Myint, company commander, LIB 225, who is reported to be a
loyal
subordinate of Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, Secretary -1 of the State Peace and
Development Council, told a group of drug operators in Mongtaw, Mongton
Township, "The State's goal is to make the trans-Salween areas a
drug-free
zone by the year 2005. It implies that people can engage in drug
activities
for the next 5-6 years. Opportunity comes to those of you who are
astute.
Anyone of you who needs me, I'll be happy to render my assistance and
cooperation to him".

The meeting was held towards the end of July, he said.

The report tallied with what the CNN reported in January of Gen. Khin
Nyunt's meeting with Pao Yuchang, the Wa leader, in Panghsang, where Pao
told Secretary - 1: "If we have any more poppy here after 2005, you can
come back and chop my head off".

Mongtaw is the headquarters of Col. Win Kyi, Commander of the Military
Operations Command there. It was where Khun Seng a.k.a Chang
Ping-yuan, uncle of Khun Sa, operated his laboratories. It now boasts
three
"factories", said the source.

One is a heroin refinery reportedly owned by Tin Win, Lahu militia
leader,
and Hla Aung a.k.a Li Shen, ex-MTA commander. Khun Sa's second son, Zam
Hurng a.k.a Chang Weigang, is believed to own a share in this factory.

Another is  also a joint venture between Khing Pi Lisaw and Yang Er. It
produces heroin but also presses amphetamine powder, bought from the
notorious Wei Xuegang, into tablets.

The third one, newly set-up, is operated by Liu Zipeng a.k.a Sai Yi
a.k.a
Muling "the Red Cap", Hsiao Yin and Li Zigao. Li was arrested by the
Shan
State Army South of Yawdserk on 3 September on drug charges and was
reported later to have escaped his captors on 14 September.