Arakan News Agency
A man identified as “U Soe Paing” said he became involved in transporting drugs for the Buddhist Arakan militias (Arakan Army) after being deceived by a job he believed was limited to carrying legal local goods, confirming that he regrets his role and fears for the future of his children.
U Soe Paing explained, in a statement to the Bay of Bangal Post, that he worked for many years as a motorboat driver in the Taunggup area starting in 2003, before he was forced to leave the area in search of a new job due to difficult living conditions.
He added that a man known as “Ko Tha Gyi” contacted him and offered him work transporting materials that he was told were cement and ordinary goods, stressing that he was not aware of any illegal activity at the beginning.
He pointed out that he later discovered the shipment was linked to members of the Arakan militias and illegal goods, saying:
“If I had known the goods were illegal, I would not have agreed from the beginning. I now feel very sad. I have two sons, and I fear for their future.”
“U Soe Paing” called on the Arakan militias not to use drug proceeds in ways that harm the community, adding:
“Money from drugs should not be used to recruit Arakan youth or to purchase weapons and ammunition,” expressing hope that his story would serve as a warning to those whom harsh economic conditions may force into such activities.
The Arakan militias launched a military campaign in November 2023 against the Myanmar army to seize control of the state, and succeeded in capturing 14 out of 17 cities. The conflict has also affected the Rohingya, who have been subjected to violence, forced displacement, and persecution by both sides, after they were previously subjected to a campaign of “genocide” by the Myanmar army in 2017 that forced nearly one million of them to flee to Bangladesh.
