Seven DLEPS members among 11 drug dealers arrested by AA in Ponnagyun Twsp

By Admin 03 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

3 September 2025, Ponnagyun

The Arakan Army (AA) is conducting a series of drug arrests in townships under its control in Arakan State, and some AA police officers have been among those arrested.

The Arakan Army arrested 11 drug dealers, including seven members of its Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS), in Ponnagyun Township on August 30.

Locals say drug use in Arakan State is due to political instability, weak rule of law, and poor drug awareness.

"Drug use has increased in Ponnagyun. There are young people using drugs in Yoe Ta Yoke and Aung Phyu Pyin villages and some IDP camps. The police are also weak in taking effective action against drug dealers," said a local man in Ponnagyun Township.

Locals say that some DLEPS members are also involved in the distribution and sale of drugs, a notion apparently confirmed by the recent arrests.

DLEPS members arrested two drug dealers along with drugs in Khaw Laung Village, Minbya Township, on August 31.

Narcotic drugs worth over K60 million were reportedly seized in Minbya Township in August. Locals say drug use is increasing among young people in both urban and rural parts of Arakan State, and that effective action is needed.

"I think the main thing is that they are taking advantage of the weak rule of law to sell and distribute drugs more. Officials need to work more effectively to reduce drug use among young people," said a woman from Minbya.

U Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the ethnic armed group, said the Arakan Army strongly opposes any drugs that pose a threat to society and is ready to cooperate with international organisations in the fight against illicit narcotics.

"We see people taking advantage of the instability in the area to try to sell drugs," said another local man in Ponnagyun. "The Arakan Army is also weak in taking action against drugs. We need to look to the future and effectively take action against drug dealers to eradicate drugs, and provide healthcare and health education to help users stop using drugs."

The Arakan Army has conducted regular raids and seizures of drugs and banned liquor from mainland Myanmar and abroad.

The Arakan Army reportedly seized banned liquor and beer being sold at the Nan Devi KTV in Wet Kyeik Village, Taungup Township, on August 30.

The Arakan Army, which controls 14 of Arakan State's 17 townships and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State, is carrying out law enforcement and regional development work in the areas under its control.