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Myanmar's continuous efforts for eradication of narcotic drug explained Regular press conference held

Yangon, 26 Nov - A regular press conference was held at the Tatmadaw guest house on Inya Road this morning.

General Staff Officer (Grade II) Major Thaik Soe acted as master of ceremonies.

Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi explained Myanmar's continuous efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs. He said he would present three parts, namely, anti-narcotics activities, measures undertaken by central organization and international cooperation.

Firstly, he reported on anti-narcotic activities. According to figures collected from 1999-2000 to 2001-2002, a total of 90,455 acres of poppy were grown and 10,988 acres were destroyed in 1999-2000, 96,812 acres were grown and 26,113 acres were destroyed in 2000-2001 and 62,868 acres were grown and 25,862 acres were destroyed in 2001-2002. Twelve point five per cent of poppy plantations were destroyed in 1999-2000 poppy cultivation season, 27 per cent in 2000-2001 and 41.14 per cent in 2001-2002. Percentage of destruction of poppy plantation increased yearly. In 2002-2003 poppy cultivation season, 149 acres of poppy were destroyed from 1 September to 22 November 2002 and action was taken against 73 poppy growers.

Altogether 87,705 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 143,222 kilos were destroyed for six times - twice in Lashio and once in Laukkai, Loikaw, Kengtung and Pinlaung. The destruction prevented 87,705 acres of poppy, 385.9 tons of opium and 38.59 tons of heroin. Another poppy seeds seized up to 3 November 2002 were 6,171 pyis of poppy weighing 10,077 kilos. These seeds will be destroyed under the arrangement of the respective states and divisions.

Under the New Destiny Project, a total of 101,437 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 165,647 kilos were seized up to 15 November. The seizure prevented 101,437 acres of poppy, 446.32 tons of opium and 44.63 tons of heroin. The street value of the heroin is 9,413.5 million US dollars.

From January to 15 November 2002, 1,737 kilos of opium were seized in 363 cases, 300 kilos of heroin in 892 cases, 9,191,694 stimulant tablets in 482 cases, 262 kilos of marijuana in 209 cases, 1,711 kilos of Ephedrine in eight cases, 25,948 litres of chemical liquid in nine cases and 2,908 litres of acetic anhydride in three cases.

The weight of seized opium and heroin increased due to cooperation and exchange of information among the neighbouring countries, international organizations, national race organizations and anti-drug squads. The seizures of stimulant tablets, chemicals and chemical liquids decreased because of raising the momentum in anti-drug activities in the country and blocking of the routes, where chemicals were brought into the country, by neighbouring countries, international organizations and national race organizations.

The 16th destruction of seized narcotic drugs was held at the Drug Elimination Museum in Yangon on 26 June 2002. Altogether 3,028 kilos of opium, 240 kilos of heroin, 434 kilos of marijuana, 34.94 million of stimulant tablets and 4.05 million of Ephedrine and 3,021 kilos of Caffeine.

The seized narcotic drugs from 1990 to 2002 were destroyed in Yangon for 16 times. They included 26,722 kilos of opium, 3,970 kilos of heroin, 5,852 kilos of marijuana, 115,802,174 stimulant tablets and 14,448 kilos of Ephedrine. The street value of narcotic drugs destroyed was 4,919.061 million US dollars.

In border areas, the seized narcotic drugs were destroyed 27 times from 1991 to 2002. They included 3,468 kilos of opium, 406 kilos of heroin, 351 kilos of morphine, 762,692 stimulant tablets, 193,735 litres of chemical liquid, 7,836 acres of poppy plantation and 21 opium refineries.

The Tatmadaw columns combed the areas in northern Shan State from January to 2 November and seized nine opium refineries. Myanmar arrested the drug fugitives wanted by China and handed over 20 of them to Chinese officials nine times including two times by Wa national group. Out of the 20 culprits, Lyo Min was captured dead and culprit Shun Choung Mein is a Myanmar citizen. So only documents were handed over to the officials.

In combating narcotic drugs, international cooperation was made three times this year. The seizure of 12.5 kilos of heroin inside the four raw jade blocks in Hong Kong on 12 July 2002 was exposed. Shwin Myin Chauk and Aiklin (a) Arkway sent the raw jade blocks through Gold Uni Jewellery Co Ltd. They are now absconding. Rakhine Gyi (a) Than Tun who drilled holes in the jade and Zaw Lwin and Min Aung who helped him were arrested and they were sent to trial. The inspection team exposed Shwin Myin Chauk's 18 kinds of properties including house, factory, vehicle and telephone worth K 157.4 million.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information on seizure of 140 kilos of heroin in Yodaya. A combined team seized 39 stimulant tablets, one pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition from Aik Swe of Sansaing (Kha) Ward in Tachilek on 4-10-2002.

According to the investigation, the team seized 14 blocks of heroin weighing 4.8 kilos, 9,000 stimulant tablets, 0.9 kilo of heroin powder, two pistols, 8 rounds of ammunition and 0.6 kilo of two packets of heroin blocks from the house of Aik Lu (a) Arlu of Wan Maing Village on 7-10-2002.

The team searched the coffee farm of Aik Ae and the house of Ar Pha Ku, five miles west of Tachilek and seized 36 kilos of heroin, 5,030,000 stimulant tablets, 10 kilos of stimulant powder, 338 kilos of Ephedrine, 40 kilos of Caffeine, six arms and 547 rounds of ammunition on 8-10-2002.

Ten culprits were arrested together with 36.9 kilos of heroin powder, 5.4 kilos of 14 heroin blocks, 5.03 million stimulant tablets, 10 kilos of stimulant powder, 338 kilos of Ephedrine, 40 kilos of Caffeine, nine arms and 568 rounds of ammunition.

On 29-10-2002, the combined team comprising regional intelligence unit, Mandalay anti-drug squad and members searched the farm of Yan Shi Hu (a) Ar Hu in Innkyei Village Tract in Patheingyi Township and seized 15 bags of Ephedrine weighing 453 kilos. Action was taken against ten persons including Yan Shi Hu (a) Ar Hu, 37, son of U Yan Chauk. They also seized K 13.3 million realized from the sale of Ephedrine. The Ephedrine was brought from Moreh in India to Mandalay.

Secondly, in connection with functions of CCDAC he reported on the facts about the New Destiny Project. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, Myanmar has been implementing the 15-year drug elimination project beginning 1999-2000 fiscal year. As part of the drug elimination project, the New Destiny Project is being implemented starting from April 2002. The main objective of the NDP is to eradicate poppy cultivation through cultivation of opium-substitute crops.

The project is being carried out under the tactics of preventing cultivation of poppy according to law and administrative method, distribution of seeds of poppy-substitute crops, domestic animals, making a field trip at designated regions under the supervision of local authorities, giving educative talks and fulfillment of the requirements.

Shan State (North), Shan State (South), Shan State (East) and Kachin and Kayah States where poppy is grown were designated as project regions. Altogether K 67.5 million has been disbursed out of the targeted fund of K 100 million to five project states- K 5 million to Shan State (North), K 57.5 million to Shan State (South), K 2.5 million to Shan State (East), K 2 million to Kachin State and K 500,000 to Kayah State. Arrangements have been made to disburse money to other regions.

Two drug addict rehabilitation centres were opened under the direct supervision of CCDAC. They are Shwepyitha youth rehabilitation centre in Wethtigan, Pyay Township, Bago Division and Shwepyiaye youth rehabilitation centre in Phekhon Township in southern Shan State.

Treatment was given to drug addicts in Shan and Kayah States and rehabilitation tasks are also being carried out for them. Altogether 25,257 students from 25 middle and high schools in Yangon Division were given educative talks on danger of narcotic drugs, stimulant tablets and HIV/AIDS from 10 October to 25 November under the arrangement of narcotic drugs educative group of Education Planning and Training Department. Courses on Drug and HIV/AIDS Prevention Training for voluntary social workers were opened in Taunggyi and Social Welfare Training School in Yangon with the joint sponsorship of Social Welfare Department and UNDCP. The Ministry of Health announced the designation of 20 drug addict treatment centres in the country under Notification No 4/2002 dated 8 August 2002. Twenty two small treatment centres were also extended under Notification No 5/2002 dated 8 August 2002.

A Literary, Article, Song, Poem, Cartoon and Poster Competition in commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which fell on 26 June 2002 was held and prize-distribution ceremony was held at the management hall of Drug Elimination Museum. Chairman of CCDAC 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, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, the ministers, Resident Representative of UNDCP Mr Jean Lue Lemahieu and Indonesian Ambassador Pehin Dato Haja Hussin Bin Haja Sulaiman presented prizes to the winners. The Literary, Article, Song, Poem, Cartoon and Poster Competition in commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has been held since 1998. There were altogether 784 entrants for 128 prizes. The CCDAC special meeting, regular meeting and supervisory committee meeting were held for effective implementation of anti-narcotic drug activities. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt himself gave instructions at the special meetings.

As a measure to eradicate narcotic drugs, the Ministry of Health released notifications on 5 and 21 June, 2002, and prescribed 25 kinds of substances as precursor chemicals and 113 kinds of substances as psychotropic ones.

Moreover, the ministry controlled a total of 124 drugs by issuing a notification on 29 July, 2002. The State has been making all-out efforts for combating narcotics and to help the tasks, the State Peace and Development Council issued Law No 6/2002 on 17 June 2002 the control of Money Laundering Law.

Due to the State's constant endeavors to fight against narcotics, growing of poppy and production of opium has been decreasing gradually and the United States of America has acknowledged it. Thus, the Counter Narcotic Centre (CNC) of the USA realized that starting from 1996, poppy growing and opium production in Myanmar has gradually decreased each year.

In 1996, the poppy growing area was 163,100 hectares and the opium production was 2,560 metric tons; in 1997, 155,150 hectares and 2,365 metric tons; in 1998, 130,300 hectares and 1,750 metric tons; in 1999, 89,500 hectares and 1,090 metric tons; in 2000, 108,700 hectares and 1,085 metric tons; in 2001, 105,000 hectares and 865 metric tons; and in 2002, 77,700 hectares and 630 metric tons, it is learnt.

Together with the government of the USA, Myanmar has launched eight Opium Yield Surveys during the period from 1993 to 2002. According to the Illicit Crop Monitoring Programme, the CCDAC and the UNDCP launched preliminary collection of data on illicit growing of poppy in eight townships in Shan State (North), two townships in Shan State (East) and one township in Shan State (South) totaling 11 townships starting from 2001. Departmental staff in respective townships were formed and trained to collect data in 666 villages. The data revealed that in 284 villages and 11 townships, poppy growing area was about 10,939 acres and per acre yield of opium was about 4.23 kilos, he said.

In 2002, like the previous year, similar tasks were systematically carried out with the help of experts from the UNDCP in 14 townships in Shan State (North), 11 townships in Shan State (East), 15 townships in Shan State (South) and 13 townships in Wa region totaling 53 townships. Data were collected from 2,182 villages and it was estimated that about 828 tons of opium was produced from 81,400 hectares of land (201,058 acres) in 947 villages and per acre yield was about 4.05 kilos. The data collected by CNC of the USA and that of the UNDCP are not quite different, he pointed out.

Thirdly, he explained international cooperation. He said Myanmar has signed agreements on narcotic control and cooperation with neighbouring countries - China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, the Philippines and the Russian Federation. The Myanmar-India Agreement on narcotics was signed in Yangon on 30 March, 1994 and the Myanmar-China MoU on narcotic control on 21 January, 2001 in Yangon. In accord with the MoU, growing of poppy-substitute crops, livestock breeding tasks and regional development tasks have to be done in Special Region-1, Kokang Region in Shan State (North).

The biannual meetings of Myanmar and Thailand on narcotic control was held in turn and the sixth meeting was held in Taunggyi in Myanmar, and arrangements are being made to hold the seventh in December in Chiangmai in Thailand. In addition, the MoU meeting of high-ranking officials from six countries - China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia Ñis held annually and the ministerial meeting is held biennially. The MoU meeting of high-ranking officials of China, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand was held in Yangon and Myanmar attended the ministerial meeting held in Beijing, China.

He continued to say that the meeting of Asia-Pacific Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies - HONLEA was held yearly and the Myanmar delegation led by the director-general of Myanmar Police Force attended the 26th meeting which was held from 11 to 15 November 2002 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Myanmar hosted the 24th Asia-Pacific HONLEA in Yangon and 90 delegates from 21 countries in Asia and the Pacific and three international organizations attended the meeting. The ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters - ASOD was held on 14 and 15 October, 2002, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and CCDAC and Drug Eradication Department Head Police Col Kham Aung and party attended the 23rd meeting.

The Myanmar delegation led by Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein of the Ministry of Defence attended the ceremony to meet the Narcotic Control Donor Countries held in Vienna on 22 and 23 October, 2002. The Federal Republic of Germany will contribute 1.25 million euro through the UNODC to be used in drug elimination tasks of Myanmar, he added.

In cooperation between Myanmar and the USA, Opium Yield Surveys were conducted starting from 1993 to 2002 and the eighth survey was launched in February, 2002. In 2002, poppy grown acreage in Myanmar is 77,700 hectares (192,000 acres) and it produces 630 tons. As the previous year's production was 865 tons, it has decreased by 26 percent, it is learnt. Under the arrangements of the US State Department, the meeting of high-ranking officials on narcotic matters was held from 13 to 17 May, 2002, and the Myanmar delegation led by Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein of the Ministry of Defence attended the meeting. Moreover, in cooperation with the US Drug Elimination Group, the Monetary Investigation Course was conducted for 25 trainees in Yangon from 3 to 14 June, 2002.

In cooperation between Myanmar and Australia, assistance is being provided to Myanmar police to be able to attend courses and meetings in foreign countries to promote their ability and to conduct courses on drugs. In doing so, South Asia Monetary Investigation Course was opened in Yangon from 25 November to 5 December, 2002 and 25 trainees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand are attending the course.

Furthermore, Myanmar delegates have been sent abroad to attend international conferences, seminars, meetings, training courses and workshops. Myanmar, Vietnam, Yunnan and Guangxi Zhaung regions in China are included in the Aus AID and the Asia AIDS Project was signed.

The poppy-substitute development project for Wa region is being implemented from 1998 to 2003 with US $ 15.49 million contributed by the USA plus K 28,358,000 by Myanmar. The meeting of the Wa Region Project Steering Committee was held biannually for the project to be successful. Arrangements are being made to hold the seventh meeting in Kengtung on 17 December, 2002.

The above-mentioned tasks clearly show that Myanmar regards drug elimination tasks as national duty and is practically making all-out efforts and tangible successes have been achieved. Myanmar vows to achieve greater success, he elaborated.

Then, General Staff Officer (Grade-1) Lt-Col Min Lwin made a speech. He said the State is committing all-round efforts to build a modern, developed nation. KNU insurgents are constantly making destructive acts such as destroying regional peace and stability, killing the innocent people and intimidating them. He said he would like to report an act of KNU insurgents. On 25 November morning, a time-bomb planted by KNU blew up on the road from Myawady to Thingannyinaung one mile and a half from Myawady. Since the time of re-opening the Myanmar-Thailand border gates in Myawady, KNU insurgents committed six destructive acts and on 15 and 16 October, explosions of two time-bomb occurred. Moreover, on 16 October, authorities, in time, found an M-16 A 1, Anti-personnel mine to be used with remote control system near No 3 Basic Education Middle School in Ward 3, Myawady. This incident was reported in the previous press conference. On 2 November, although an explosion of a local-made bomb occurred in a bush in the compound of a church in Ward 4, Myawady, no one was injured. Similarly, KNU insurgents are committing destructive acts along Kawkareik-Myawady road and on 15 October, a car carrying a monk from Thamanya Aung Theikdishin monastery left Kawkareik for Myawady. KNU insurgents attacked the car with a mine. The car was destroyed but none was injured. They also destroyed the concrete bridge near mile post No 41 on Myawady-Kawkareik road on 17 October.

It can be seen clearly that although KNU insurgents claimed that their acts are meant for the interest of national people, they are constantly committing destructive acts, he pointed out.

Afterwards, the queries of the journalists were replied to by Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein of the Ministry of Defence and Director (International) of CCDAC Police Col Sit Aye. Then, the regular press conference came to a close at 11.30 am.

The journalists viewed the documentary photos displayed there on torching of poppy seeds and precursors, surveys launched by Myanmar and the CNC, handing over of the drug fugitive to China, educative tasks for Tachilek District to become a drug free zone.