Drug dealers and drug users in Kachin State are facing the heat after Maj-Gen. Soe Win took over the post of Northern Command (Ma-Pa-Kha) Commander in the state. A large number of them have been nabbed since June, residents said.

There are over 2,000 drug traders in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State. While some are still in jail, some have been sentenced to prison, a source close to the police told KNG.

"The police are even arresting people from cafés and shops if they suspect them. Investigations are on and police personnel have been monitoring the town everyday," said a resident.

The police are arresting drugs users and dealers in places where most local Kachin people reside in quarters and towns such as Jan Mai Kawng, Shatapru and Dukahtawng.

While the police are arresting drugs users and dealers in town, at least 10 drug traders are being produced in court everyday and most are Kachins, said a resident in Myitkyina who went to the court last week.

Despite the arrests in town in drug cases, corruption persists with the police taking bribes and criminals being released, a resident said.