IMNA – The Central Administrative Office of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) conducted an educational campaign on the dangers of illicit drugs, beginning in the third week of September.
The anti-drug campaign was originally discussed at the Mon National Conference earlier this year. Now, the NMSP announced that it would take serious action against those implicated in the widespread drug trade.
Posters were hung along the motorway from Thanbyuzayat to Moulmein, the capital of Mon State, stating, “The NMSP will take action against those involved in drug trade and drug use. Everyone needs to stay away from drugs.” The posters are written in Mon and Burmese languages.
NMSP authorities and civil society groups also distributed pamphlets and conducted public discussions in NMSP-controlled and surrounding areas. The pamphlets provide information about risks related to drug use and describe imprisonment for drug dealers and users, the transmission of HIV, and the serious consequences for families.
Nai Mon Chan, the NMSP liaison officer in Thanbyuzayat Township, said, “We put up posters in our office on September 21, and in front of Mon Dhamma Hall. Now, all villages in Thanbyuzayat Township are displaying the posters.”
In response to growing drug use among young people, the NMSP and local civil society organizations also plan to provide anti-drug education in various Mon communities in Mon and Karen States.
A Mon MP in the National Parliament said, “In our Kaw Bein village [Kawkareik Township], most students in [grade] eight standard and above have used illicit drugs, which are easy to buy. I’ve seen many young people sleeping in the streets and increased car accidents due to drug use.”
Some armed groups are suspected of involvement in drug production, but local people rarely speak out about the problem.
