One anonymous elder told Kaladan Press Network three of the suspects have been identified as U Thaung Tin, camp-in-charge of Maungdaw police station and police officers U Hla Thein and U Nyu Nyu.

“The matter was well-known to the local public,” the elder said.  

However despite reportedly being caught red handed with the drugs they along with the monk were freed on Nov. 27. Civilians that were also arrested for the same charges didn’t get off so easy, receiving heavy handed sentences.

One anonymous business person claimed that those who have the authority to bust drug dealers are actually usually involved in the trade themselves.

“The smuggling of yaba is very shameful for the government,” the source said.

Two of the police suspects, U Thaung Tin and U Hla Thein, harassed the Rohingya community for most of last year following the aftermath of sectarian violence between the Buddhists and Muslims, said a local trader that also didn’t want their name used.  

Within three days of being released from detention, police officer U Hla Thein, accompanied by several other officers, allegedly arrested a villager named Atura (also known as Khalu) without  probable cause. Atura, who sold bamboo in Ward 5 of Maungdaw town, was brought to the detention centre in their camp. Husain (not his real name) claimed that Atura’s house was burned during last year’s violence in June conflict.  

Shortly after the man’s arrest more police arrived in Ward 5 randomly attacking people in the market area, claimed Husain, who couldn’t explain why the unprovoked attacks took place.

“Villagers say that the security forces treat us like animals,” said a local trader named Malu (not his real name).  

A Rohingya youth who wished to remain anonymous for his own security said the released police officers have a long history of oppressing the Rohingya community.