Myanmar Authorities Seize Over 88 Tonnes of Illegal Timber and 200,000 Stimulant Tablets in Nationwide Crackdown
Yangon, February 6 (IANS): Myanmar authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal activities, seizing over 88 tonnes of illicit timber and 200,000 stimulant tablets in separate operations across the country, local media reported on Thursday.
According to a report by Xinhua news agency, citing the state-run daily The Mirror, authorities confiscated more than 16.6 tonnes of teak, over 9.41 tonnes of hardwood, and approximately 62.23 tonnes of other timber varieties between January 27 and February 2. As part of the operation, 17 offenders were apprehended, and three vehicles and machines used in the illicit trade were seized.
The Forest Department continues to strengthen its efforts against illegal logging and the unlawful trading of forest products through enhanced monitoring and a community-based reporting system.
Major Drug Seizure in Southern Myanmar
In a separate anti-narcotics operation, Myanmar authorities seized 200,000 stimulant tablets in the Tanintharyi region. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officers intercepted a suspect riding a motorcycle in Myeik town on January 31, uncovering 40,000 stimulant tablets. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of an additional 160,000 tablets at the suspect’s residence in Myeik.
Further efforts led to the arrest of another suspect in Kyunsu township on February 3, who was allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The confiscated narcotics have an estimated street value of 600 million kyats (approximately 280,000 US dollars), authorities stated.
Continued Crackdown on Narcotics Trade
The latest operation comes amid Myanmar’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes nationwide. Earlier in the month, authorities seized over 170,000 stimulant tablets in Mandalay’s central region. The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) reported that anti-narcotics police raided a guesthouse in Chanmyathazi township, where they confiscated 2,000 stimulant tablets and arrested a suspect. A follow-up investigation led to the discovery of an additional 171,000 tablets at the suspect’s residence in Patheingyi township.
The total street value of the seized drugs was estimated at over 346 million kyats (approximately 164,000 US dollars).
Myanmar’s authorities continue their stringent enforcement actions against illegal timber trading and narcotics, demonstrating a commitment to curbing organized crime and preserving the country’s natural resources.
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