Residents in some villages along the Mon-Karen State border are concerned about the lack of transparency in drug-related arrests and enforcement operations carried out by local armed groups, according to local sources.
Local armed groups have been conducting ongoing drug enforcement operations, particularly in villages along the Gyaing River. They have increased efforts to summon and question people suspected of involvement in drugs and to arrest and detain them.
Some of those arrested have reportedly been released after paying money. Others remain out of contact with their families and have allegedly been held for extended periods at military bases. Some have also reportedly been recruited into armed groups.
A male resident from the Gyaing River area said local armed groups should provide solid evidence when arresting suspects, ensure fair and effective punishment for those found guilty, and inform the families or guardians of detained young people.
“It is good to take action against drugs. But arrests should be made based on evidence. People should not be taken away and questioned simply because they are suspected. There is no problem with taking action against people who actually sell and distribute drugs, but it is not appropriate to take harsh action against young drug users,” he said.
During July, at least 10 young people from villages including Tarana and Kawthathaw were arrested and taken away after being suspected of having links to drug-related activities, according to local sources.
While residents believe the arrests could help reduce drug trafficking and use in the area, they are concerned about the fairness of the legal process, according to a resident of a village where the arrests were carried out.
“Everyone who is arrested is punished, whether there is evidence against them or not. Some are even forced to serve as soldiers at the military base. Some are also made to undergo military training. It should not go this far. There is no justice in this,” the resident said.
Some villages along the Mon-Karen border are under the control of the Ramonnya Mon Army (RMA), Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), according to local sources.
In April, the DKBA’s Downa Western Front No. 2, Tactical Command No. 2, announced that anyone found possessing, distributing or selling illegal drugs and psychotropic substances, or found to have committed related offences, would face punishment of up to three years in prison.
