In the Thaton district, a New Mon State Party (NMSP) controlled area, more drug traffickers than drug users have been arrested this year. According to the district drug control officer, Nai Khon Seik this is because that is where the priority is being placed.
To date between nearly 40 males, most of whom are young boys, and four women have been arrested for drug trafficking. In addition, up to 50 others have been sent to the district police by parents concerned with their children’s involvement in the drug trade.
The large numbers have created challenges in terms of providing adequate food and accommodations, noted Nai Khon Seik.
“…it is difficult for us when they come. Some people are difficult to control. …Some people need to take medicine and we let them go to the nearest clinic to try out the medicine they should take. Another challenge is housing for women. This is also the problem of having no rehabilitation center for them,” added Nai Khon Seik.
U San Yi, the Administrator of Paw Kyue Khone village in Kawkareik Township, said that the NMSP sees this as a good thing — arresting drug traffickers. If we can arrest more traffickers and confiscate the drugs, that will help to eradicate the problem. It will be good for the nation, and improve educational opportunities for young people.
He added, “we are helping provide as many vegetables as we can, and the NMSP takes care of our Mon people [by providing] comfortable living and eating. They do not have much money to feed them, so I suggest that it would be better if any civil society organizations can offer support to them.”
The NMSP built a rehabilitation center in Dawei district which has been temporarily closed due to the second wave of Covid-19.
Efforts are being made to provide educational seminars for those arrested to help them better understand the social and health consequences of being involved in the drug trade.
Mon State, civil society organizations and community members active on these issues continue to call for more rehabilitation centers, and advocate for policy interventions that view the drug crisis as a public health issue.
