There has been an alarming rise in drug addiction among government staff, despite the restriction on drugs in Loije city, near China-Burma border, Bhamo District in Kachin State in northern Burma, a source said.

A market in Loije city, near China-Burma in east of Kachin state, Burma.

A market in Loije city, near China-Burma in east of Kachin state, Burma. According to a Loije resident, though the ban has been on, almost all the government civic officers and staff use drugs.

They are not buying drugs with money from drugs dealers but they have links with them for regular supply and they use mostly, Yama also called Methamphetamine.

Drugs are imported to Loije from Shan State with the help of corrupt officials of the military junta's agencies including the police, special narcotic police, military and military affairs security unit (Sa-Ya-Pha), a resident added.

Meanwhile drug addiction among youth has also increased manifold in Loije. Most youth use drugs, said a resident.

The new northern command commander Maj-Gen Soe Win has imposed restrictions and is taking action regarding drug issues since he was transferred there, a local said.