Myanmar authorities seize 4,000kg of Ice worth 120 billion kyats, exposing a terror-funding nexus involving th Arakan Army. 24 arrested in nationwide raids
Security forces in Myanmar have dismantled a massive transnational drug trafficking ring, seizing 4,000 kilograms of Ice (methamphetamine) with an estimated street value of 120 billion kyats.
The multi-regional operation resulted in the arrest of 24 individuals, including a high-ranking economic coordinator for the Arakan Army (AA), exposing a deep nexus between insurgent groups and the illicit narcotics trade.
According to reports from the Arakan News Network (ANN), the crackdown began on the evening of November 5, 2025, following intelligence reports. A raid was conducted at Warehouse No. 19 on Strand Road in Pathein, Ayeyawady Region, where authorities discovered the massive cache of narcotics hidden in an underground room. During this initial operation, security forces arrested Khin Tun, identified as the supply and logistics coordinator for the AA, alongside La Min Khant, who was responsible for warehousing the contraband.
The Ministry of Information (MOI) issued a stern statement regarding the seizure, highlighting the role of the Arakan Army in what they termed a “horrific drug trade.” The Ministry stated that the AA terrorist group has been actively trafficking and selling illicit drugs to fund their military operations. According to the MOI, the proceeds from these narcotics sales are directly used to purchase arms and ammunition, which are then utilized to carry out acts of terrorism in Rakhine State, including the harassment, torture, and killing of innocent civilians.
Following the initial arrests in Pathein, the investigation rapidly expanded across the Yangon and Taninthayi regions between November 6 and November 16. Interrogations revealed that the syndicate was using the “Baw Za Wati” rice trading business and the “Utopia Future” real estate firm as fronts to organize the shipments. On November 7, the alleged mastermind Maung Nge, who operated these businesses, was apprehended at Yangon International Airport while attempting to coordinate the transport of the drugs to Malaysia.
The crackdown also extended to maritime routes. Security forces intercepted two cargo vessels, the MV Shwe Let Wa and the MV Shwe Wadi, which were being used to transport the narcotics. Ten crew members were arrested aboard the MV Shwe Let Wa in the waters off Kyunsu Township. Further raids in Tachileik on November 11 at the residence of a fugitive suspect, Ah Wai, yielded a significant cache of weapons, including a US-made M-4 A-1 rifle, a Beretta pistol, and a Sig Sauer pistol, along with various rounds of ammunition.
Investigators established that the narcotics originated in the Wan Hai area of Kyaythi Township in Loilem District. The drugs were transported to Pathein using sophisticated concealment methods, including secret compartments built into oil bowsers and six-wheel trucks, or disguised among legitimate goods. Once in Pathein, the shipment was intended to be split, with Maung Nge’s group arranging transport to Malaysia and Khin Tun’s group arranging transport to Rakhine State to fund AA operations.
The Ministry of Information reaffirmed that the government regards the suppression of drug trafficking as a national duty to protect the entire human race. Authorities have announced that legal action will be taken effectively against the 24 arrestees, and efforts remain ongoing to apprehend the remaining fugitive suspects, including Ah Wai and Tar Kaw, to fully dismantle the network.
