By Kantarawaddy Times
After the military coup in Burma, illegal drugs have flooded government-controlled areas in Hpasawng Township, Karenni State.
“Traffickers are openly selling illicit drugs in Hpasawng,” a man from Hpasawng town has told Kantarawaddy Times, wishing to remain anonymous. Most of the users are labourers and teenagers who take methamphetamines, he said. Four or five pills of yaba, as it’s called locally, costs $5.
Another source, who also requested anonymity, said local authorities are doing nothing to stop the drug scourge. “The police don’t arrest illicit traffickers here, and some police men are using drugs.”
According to locals, the drug crisis is probably due to the political crisis that has destabilised the state and led to rampant employment.
The Karenni State Police (KSP), which was formed by officers who joined the protest movement and reports to the Karenni State Consultative Council, is working with the various civil resistance groups to stop drug trafficking. The officers have arrested a total of 30 drug traffickers and addicts in Loikaw, Demawso, Mobye and Hpasawng townships. At the same time, KSP has launched an awareness campaign on drugs.
