Over 70 Arrested in Kyauktaw Anti-Drug Crackdown by DLEPS

News ၊ July 23, 2026

A total of 78 individuals including seven members of the Arakha Army (AA) and 13 young students were arrested and detained between July 2 and July 17 by the DLEPS under the Arakha People's Government in Kyauktaw Township for drug abuse and trafficking.

Among the detained personnel, one ULA/AA member was arrested for drug trafficking, while six others were detained for drug abuse.

Additionally, most of the youth detained are between 15 and 20 years old, attending Grades 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. They were taken into custody for drug use and are currently receiving rehabilitation and guidance at a local youth rehabilitation center.

Authorities also arrested 24 individuals for selling methamphetamine pills and are currently interrogating them. Further investigations are underway to uncover connected networks involved in drug sales and consumption.

The student youths involved were investigated and detained by the DLEPS department following reports of drug use, and the students themselves have confessed to using drugs.

Currently, the detained students are being held under good conditions by the DLEPS.

Officials confirmed that healthcare services are being provided to them, alongside counseling sessions explaining the harmful effects of drug abuse and its long-term health consequences.

Furthermore, officials and parents of the students will hold a joint meeting to address and clarify false rumors circulating on social media regarding these detentions.

During the operations, authorities seized methamphetamine pills (bearing the "WY" logo) valued at approximately 800 million MMK, along with 1,976,000 MMK in cash from the arrested drug dealers.

In territories controlled by the Arakan Army, the Arakha Government, through its DLEPS department, is executing law enforcement and drug-eradication initiatives. Investigations and subsequent arrests were carried out after receiving intelligence regarding drug use among certain student youths in Kyauktaw Township.

Source@APM