Save the future of generations from the threats of narcotics

TERRORIST groups have been committing the trafficking of narcotics as a business, while some groups are involved in drug production and trafficking processes. Authorities uncover and arrest those involved in the drug-related cases.

In the first week of November, large quantities of narcotics linked to an AA terrorist’s smuggling network were seized during coordinated inspections and raids in Yangon Region and Ayeyawady Region. As the quantities increase, the value of the seized narcotics is also significant. Drug trafficking endangers the younger gener­ation both inside and outside the country and also undermines the national stability, peace, and security of the country.

The narcotics smuggling and trafficking operations carried out by armed terrorist groups pose a serious threat to the country. The profits generated from the drug trade are ex­tremely large, and these funds not only enrich the top lead­ers of these groups but also serve as financial resources for purchasing weapons and ammunition, sustaining their organizations, and enabling acts of terrorism and destruc­tion.

The Government has des­ignated the prevention and eradication of narcotics as a national responsibility and continues to carry out this task with priority. However, drug traffickers are also using various methods to transport and trade narcotics. In the re­cent case, 4,000 kilogrammes of ICE originating from Wam­hing area, Kehsi Township, Loilem District in Shan State (South) were being concealed inside modified compartments of fuel bowsers and mixed with other goods in cargo trucks. The traffickers transported the drugs along domestic routes and were planning to ship them by sea through Yan­gon and Pathein to Rakhine State and onward to Malaysia.

The production and transport routes for narcotics primarily pass through domestic areas before being further shipped abroad via maritime routes. Therefore, it will be necessary to strengthen both technical capacity and manpower in conducting inspections and interdiction operations along internal routes. Major highways inside the country carry heavy traffic due to transportation and the movement of goods, and this situation creates opportunities for drug traffickers to exploit. There have also been cases in which fuel bowsers were used to smuggle people and weapons. As such, vehicle inspections must be carried out with greater emphasis.

As part of collective participation in the fight against narcotics, which is an issue that poses a serious threat to the nation and its citizens, the people are urged to fulfil their civic responsibility by reporting any credible information they witness to the relevant authorities and to save the future of more and more generations.