The Anti-Narcotics Police Force has announced the arrest of retired Major Pyay Thein, a graduate of Defense Services Academy batch 46, along with illegal drugs in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay Region. The arrest took place on July 30 in the afternoon, where the retired major was apprehended along with Thet Htut Oo and Sai Phyo Min Naing. During the inspection of their Toyota Mark II vehicle, authorities discovered 950 grams of Happy Water stimulant drugs, 3,930 tablets of ecstasy, and three mobile phones.
Following up on investigative leads, a search was conducted at the retired major’s rented residence in Ward 3 of Myothit, where additional drugs were discovered including 150 grams of ketamine and 220 grams of Happy Water. The total value of the seized narcotics exceeds 3,000 lakhs in Myanmar currency. The suspects are currently being held at Police Station No. 11 and are facing charges under narcotics laws. The investigation revealed an extensive drug trafficking operation involving former military personnel.
In a related earlier incident on July 23, Captain Soe Min Tun, who was in charge of the checkpoint at Ohsitpin town entrance in Pantaung Township, Bago Region, was also arrested for drug trafficking. The authorities seized assets worth over 90,000 lakhs from him, including gold and diamond jewelry, land plots, houses, and luxury vehicles. These cases highlight a concerning pattern of involvement in drug trafficking activities by both former and active military officers, demonstrating the extent of narcotics-related corruption within military circles.
