Kantarawaddy Times
The Karenni State Police (KSP) handled a total of 149 cases in their jurisdiction in 2024, with drug-related offenses being the most common, according to KSP spokesperson Ko Bo Bo.
The cases include drug offenses, criminal activities, murder, theft, robbery, and cases involving prisoners of war (POWs).
“Drug-related cases are the most frequent. Out of the total, 75 cases are related to drugs. There are also other cases like theft, murder, and general criminal offenses. Additionally, there are cases involving prisoners of war detained during the conflict. Altogether, there are 149 cases,” Ko Bo Bo stated.
The KSP is actively conducting drug awareness campaigns, sometimes screening in IDP camps, arrests, and checks on civilians in the area. Despite efforts to combat drug use through arrests and inspections, local residents report that drug use continues to increase.
The Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State and the judiciary department are primarily handling cases involving POWs and drug-related offenses. IEC Chairman Khu Taw Reh (S) stated that actions are being taken as a national responsibility to reduce drug use in the region.
“There are policies and initiatives by various organizations. They aim to reduce or even eliminate drugs as a national responsibility and implement action plans accordingly. Despite efforts, drug-related cases remain the second most common after those involving prisoners of war. These efforts represent steps toward reducing and eliminating such issues,” he explained.
Authorities emphasized the need to identify and dismantle the sources of drug trafficking and trade.
According to Ko Bo Bo, the KSP follows legal procedures in handling cases. “We handle all cases in accordance with the law. At the KSP, we ensure human rights are respected first. Then, we investigate and collect evidence related to the cases. After building the cases with proper evidence, we present them to the judiciary department and prosecute them in court,” he said.
The KSP operates 14 police stations and 18 outposts in the areas under their control, with a force of 638 officers, according to their three-year report. They continue to work on law enforcement, public safety, and other services in the region.
