Mai Pome Sange, Nov 26, Kyaukme
Local residents using drugs is increasing in the hilltop villages above the Mongngawt sub-township, in Kyaukme Township, northern Shan State, local people told Shwe Phee Myay.
“Drug use in the villages is now estimated at around 80 percent. As the number of users has risen, the number of law-abiding residents has declined, leaving communities unable to maintain control,” said a resident.
Villagers are facing further difficulties because some village heads and local administrators are themselves drug users. Although complaints have been lodged with the Mongngawt police station, which operates under the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the issue remains unresolved.
“The police know that people in this village use drugs. They see it, they have evidence, but for now they cannot take action,” a villager told Shwe Phee Myay.
Above Mongngawt Town are village tracts including Man Hkawk, Khun Kaw, Kyauk Phyu, Pan Ning, and Nam Twe.
Since late 2021, the TNLA has carried out anti-drug operations, arresting dealers and users in the hilltop villages of Kyaukme Township and even within the town itself, in pursuit of a drug-free state.
However, following the second wave of Operation 1027, drug use in Kyaukme’s hilltop villages has surged once again.
Translated by #KLT
~ ~ ~
You can read and listen to our Shwe Phee Myay’s reports, not only on Facebook and our Website, but also on the following channels:
