KIO/KIA Intensifies Anti-Drug Operations in Controlled Areas; Dozens Arrested in May

Pajau Media

June 18, 2025

The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have continued to carry out anti-drug (Pat Jasan) operations in their controlled territories. According to the KIA’s news department, a total of 28 people involved in the sale and use of narcotics were arrested along with drug-related materials during the month of May.

In KIO-controlled areas, anti-drug operations in May led to the seizure of two syringes of heroin, 2,158 stimulant tablets, 26 large packets each containing 200 tablets, 100 long heroin pipes, 27 small pipes, and various materials, along with the arrest of sellers and users.

The arrested individuals and seized drugs have been handed over to the relevant authorities, it was reported.

According to officials, the confiscated drugs are burned in front of the public every year on Anti-Drug Day as part of the anti-drug campaign.

Since March 7, 2024, after the KIA launched its military offensive and captured most of the junta’s bases in Kachin State, anti-drug operations have been actively implemented in the towns and villages under their control.

In these KIO-administered areas, anti-drug committees have been established to intensify operations, including arrests and public awareness training for local communities.

Additionally, due to public demand, anti-drug rehabilitation camps have been opened in KIO-controlled border areas such as Sadung, Kanpaiti, Chipwi, Pangwa, Lagwi, Phimaw, and Gangphan. Currently, around 500 people are reportedly receiving treatment in these camps.

Since April 2014, the KIO’s anti-drug committee has led community-based anti-drug efforts in the region. However, the campaign weakened nationwide after the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup in 2021.

News – Pilan U