Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Yesterday morning, the government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held a press conference at Pyin Oo Lwin Ani Sakan Airport in Mandalay Region to announce the country's largest drug bust to date, detailing the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, and other narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as information on drug manufacturing sites and raw materials.
Major General Zaw Min Tun, head of the Information Group of the Defense and Security Committee and Deputy Minister of Information, and Lieutenant General Win Zaw Moe, Chief of the Myanmar Police Force, attended the press conference and provided clarifications. Diplomats from the embassies of China, India, and two other countries, officials from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and journalists from Chinese and foreign media participated in the event.
At the press conference, officials introduced the historical background of drugs entering Myanmar, the government and military's anti-drug operations, the current progress of the seizures, and Myanmar's cooperation with neighboring countries and international anti-drug agencies. They also announced the discovery of more drug manufacturing sites and related chemicals near Hsipaw and Mongya townships in northern Shan State, and ongoing search operations. Attendees also viewed photos documenting the destruction of seized drugs and drug manufacturing equipment.
Following the meeting, participants traveled by helicopter to two drug manufacturing sites near Mongya Township in northern Shan State for on-site inspections. Brigadier General Than Lwin Maung, commander of the anti-narcotics department, briefed them on the details of the seizure of drugs, precursor chemicals, and equipment at various locations, as well as drug manufacturing techniques, and answered related questions. The group then observed the burning and burial of seized items at three sites and visited drug manufacturing facilities and raw materials.
During the site visit, Major General Zaw Min Tun stated that Myanmar's drug problem can be traced back to the colonial period. Ethnic armed groups engage in drug trafficking for exorbitant profits, creating a vicious cycle of "drug trafficking-weapon purchase-strengthening." Drug manufacturing materials need to be imported from abroad, necessitating international cooperation and domestic collaboration in drug control. Brigadier General Than Lwin Maung introduced P2P drug manufacturing methods and explained the connection and purity differences between methamphetamine and "Yaba" (a type of methamphetamine).
Major Hsan Lin Aung added that the anti-drug operation was launched on January 7, 2026. Security personnel conducted a raid after several days of foot patrols and intelligence gathering. The operation covered an area of approximately 35 to 40 acres. Armed clashes occurred on January 9, but no casualties were reported. The Myanmar government considers anti-drug efforts a national responsibility and continues to carry out severe crackdowns, resolutely holding drug-related organizations and individuals accountable.
