The chase unleashed on “Druglord” Naw Kham by the Burmese Army following the shootings at a Chinese cargo ship on the Mekong on February 18 had resulted in the massive arrest of suspects including businessmen, but most of them were released after paying millions in bribe, according to reliable sources. 
 
Over 20 people suspected of being involved with Naw Kham who has been active in the Golden Triangle area, where Burma’s Shan State, Laos and Thailand meet, were detained by the Burmese Army during the operation.
 
Among them were Ko Thiha, from Wan Hwe Waw Khoke, Kengphawng village tract, and Ko Maung Tint from Quarter No. 3 of Namkhet, Kengtung township, eastern Shan State.
 
Maung Tint was a former soldier in the Burmese Army’s signal battalion. He has been reportedly dealing in drugs and arms together with Naw Kham with the help of local authorities in Tachilek since his retirement.
[Naw Kham]
“Almost all Naw Kham’s dealers know about the relationship between the junta authorities and Naw Kham,” said a businessman who was also involved in the drug trade.  “The area commanders and local authorities are receiving kickbacks from Naw Kham.”
 
Maung Tint was reported to have disclosed in detail Naw Kham’s relationships with the authorities to the police during interrogations.
 
Their disclosures had led to the police releasing them after they paid Kyat 20 million (US$ 20,000) each, said the source.
 
Till date, even though Naw Kham has been under “hot pursuit” by the Burmese forces since February 18, he still remains free. In addition, his cross border drug dealings have also recovered.
 
Naw Kham, a former officer in the late Khun Sa’s Mong Tai Army (MTA), surrendered with his boss to become a militia leader in Tachilek in 1996.