Rebel group denies drug trafficking

A powerful militia group based in Myanmar’s Shan State has rebuffed the accusation made by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra that the territory under its control is the primary source of narcotics which often end up smuggled into Thailand.

- CHAIRITH YONPIAM

In comments carried by The Irrawaddy, a spokesperson for the United Wa State Army, Nyi Rang, downplayed the claim, saying, “It is just an accusation.”

“They need to present evidence for their claim. We are fighting [drugs], as they are. Everyone knows there are multiple armed groups in the border regions,” he said, adding the fact that the drugs come from Wa territory does not necessarily mean the Wa are involved in the drug trade.

“We live in a border region, and drugs trafficked from further inland will inevitably pass through the border,” he said.

Thaksin made the accusation during an event at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board on Tuesday, where he gave a lecture about ways to curb the drug trade in the region.