Pubdate: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2002 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 Author: Subin Khuenkaew Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) JUNTA ORDERS END TO DRUG TRAFFICKING Bid to Improve Image Overseas In a bid to improve the way it is viewed overseas, the Burmese military junta has told minority groups that drug trafficking will no longer be tolerated by Rangoon. State Peace and Development Council first secretary Khin Nyunt had briefed minority groups thought to be involved in drugs before issuing the instruction on March 22 in Lashio, a source said. The intelligence chief was quoted as saying that drug crimes -- including production of heroin and methamphetamine, trafficking, possession of precursor chemicals and drug paraphernalia, and poppy cultivation -- would no longer be tolerated. Punishment would range from life imprisonment to death. The United Wa State Army, widely regarded as the biggest drug traffickers in the region, had been told about the order. The UWSA, in turn, had told its forces not to get involved in drugs. "No organisation nor individual shall refine heroin and manufacture stimulant tablets in the Wa region." Trafficking was also prohibited. The UWSA would send inspection teams to areas it controlled to see whether the policy had been put into effect. Meanwhile, Rangoon is cracking down on illicit businesses in Tachilek, opposite Mae Sai. It has closed buildings thought to have ties to drug traffickers. Firms affected included the Hong Pang Group of drug kingpin Wei Hsueh- kang, and the Golden Star Group of influential figure Jai Lin and two hilltribe groups. Buildings owned by Kan Yod from the Shan State Army had also been closed, the source said. Several Thai businessmen, however, doubted that the clampdown was serious. Butham Thipprasong from the border traders' association of Mae Sai district said most of the lucrative businesses in Burma were controlled by the Wei-led Hong Pang Group. The group had monopolised imports via Mae Sai-Tachilek checkpoint and demanded protection fees from small-scale Thai merchants wanting to export goods, he said. "I wonder if this very powerful group will so easily agree with this," Mr Butham said. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager