Police make K45 bln bust for meth, weapons, prohibited chemicals

Authorities seized 1.5 tonnes of ICE, or methamphetamine, pills, firearms, and prohibited chemicals worth over K45 billion after a week-long investigation.
The series of arresting Zaw Min Oo, Ko Ko Zaw, Hlwan Aung, Thura Soe and Tun Oo began when the Tatmadaw (Navy) troops inspected a boat called Aye Myat Aung in the waters near Hainggyikyun in Ayeyawady Region on 22 January. They arrested and investigated the five suspects on the boat who were revealed to be waiting for narcotic drugs from their partners.
The authorities arrested Tin Shein, the alleged owner of the Aye Myat Aung boat, and his partner Soe Yan Naing (aka) Naung Naung in Pathein on 26 January and Htay Aung (aka) Pauk Sa on 28 January. According to the investigation, Naing Oo (aka) Maung Maung Lay (aka) Hla Win was arrested in Kalachaung Village of Pathein Township. The investigation led to a confiscation of 1.5 tonnes of ICE from a warehouse of Tin Tun in Thanbanchai Village in Pathein Township on 12 February.
Two days later, the authorities seized a pistol, magazine and 45 bullets as well as 23 bullets used in shotgun, K3 million, and two vehicles from the house apparently belonged to Tin Shein and Ma Zin Mar Htay in Myeik, Taninthayi Region.
Following the bread crumbs, the police arrested two more suspects who apparently carried the pills from Mandalay to Pathein in Yekyi Township in Ayeyawady Region.
On 16 February, the authorities busted a house allegedly rented by a suspect named Ye Khaung Tun in Pyigyidagun Township, Mandalay Region, and seized restricted chemicals such as 16,400 litres of methylamine, 1,200 litres of sulphuric acid, 560 litres of hydrochloric acid, and 12,400 litres of benzyl cyanide in huge quantities along with more ICE. Their combined value was estimated to be over K45 billion in addition to an ocean-going ship, one coastal ship and three vehicles.
It was later discovered that the gang was attempting to transport the drugs from Shan State to their storage house in Mandalay, from where they would be further transported to Ayeyawady Region and then carried to Malaysian waters. Relevant legal actions have been taken against the accused. — MNA/NT