The military-controlled Ministry of Home Affairs claims it is making efforts to adopt an all-round drugs approach to tackle the problem.

Major General Aung Soe, the military-appointed deputy minister for home affairs, was asked by Lower House MP Dr Pyone representing Indaw Township what the generals were doing to control the drugs trade.

Aung Soe said: “Myanmar is facing drug problems like other nations. Successive governments have tried to eradicate narcotic drugs, but we still face practical challenges. Prevention and judicial strategies are not enough to solve drug problems. The economy, social affairs, health and development must be taken into consideration.

“The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control formed 10 working committees representing different ministries. Moreover, the committees for drug abuse control were also formed across the country.”

The police anti-drug squad consists of 3,994 officers but its current strength was 1,118 with plans being made to bring it up to full strength, Aung Soe said.

A road map on a new drug policy was adopted and tasks were being carried out in line with the strategy, Aung Soe said.

He said the military-controlled ministry was targeting Kachin State's drugs and jade trade. The general said greater cooperation with residents, police and administrators was needed.

Writer:  Nyein Zaw Lin + Myo Min Htet
Source : goo.gl/KVXPSH