Nay Pyi Taw, 11 December

About two tons of the controlled chemical were seized in Ywangan Township of Shan State, according to Myanmar Police Force.

Acting on a tip-off, a combined inspection team consisting of members of Anti-Drug Squad searched a 12 wheeler truck (Isuzu) driven by Thein Htike Aung and a 12 wheeler truck (FUSO) driven by Kyaw Win near Myokyi Village in Ywanga Township of Shan State at 5:00 pm on December 3, and seized about two tons of caffeine which were covered with cow dung and manure on the trucks.

Investigations revealed that the seized drugs were intended to transport from Mandalay Region to northern Shan state. In addition, the offenders, identified as Nay Aung was arrested in connection with the case in Nalaung Village in Patheinkyi Township of Mandalay Region, known as Aik Soe Pauk (b) Sai Tun Tun and Yin Aung Thu, who ordered caffeine to transport from Mandalay to Shan State (north) were apprehended along with a FORD RANGER vehicle near Myokyi Village in Yawngan township of Shan State on December 4. As a result of investigation, TOYOTA LANDCRUISER was seized at the house of Yin Aung Thu in Chanmyathazi Township of Mandalay Region on the same day.

The culprits have been prosecuted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators of the crime chain.

According to the research of international drug control agencies, if one ton of caffeine is mixed with other chemicals to produce ecstasy pills, about 14 million pills can be produced. According to the Myanmar Police Force, more than 24 tons of the controlled chemicals which were illegally imported through border areas were seized in 2024, preventing the production of more than 336 million stimulant tablets.—MNA