BURMESE MILITARY COVERS UP HEROIN B

[lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release
Date: July 14, 1998

                                    
                 BURMESE MILITARY COVERS UP HEROIN BUST

Burma's military junta is covering up the seizure of six kilograms
of heroin last month on the Sino-Burma border, according to ABSDF
sources.

On June 6, 1998, a cease-fire ethnic Kokant group known as the
Myanmar National Democratic Alliance (MNDA) from northern Shan
State, seized six kilograms of heroin from the United State of Wa
Solidarity Army (UWSA). The seizure occurred at a check-point just
outside Chin Shwe Haw Township on the Sino-Burma Border.

The heroin seizure by the MNDA took place during a routine
inspection by the group's officers, and a gun battle ensued in
which a UWSA member fled. On June 28 the MNDA handed over the drugs
and a vehicle to officers of the Burmese Military Intelligence
Service Unit 9. 

Burmese Military Intelligence is said to be mediating between the
two cease-fire groups over the drug seizure.

The UWSA subsequently requested that the Burmese military keep the
news about the drug seizure secret, and asked that the drugs not be
photographed. Despite repeated rhetoric about the military's drug
eradication programmes, the regime has complied with the request by
not publishing anything about the heroin seizure. 

The attempted cover-up is the second by the Burmese military this
year. On February 2, 1998 the regime seized heroin processing
materials and equipment from officers of the Kachin Defense Army
(KDA) near Muse in northern Shan State. They also arrested two KDA
officers who were carrying equipment and materials. To this day the
Burmese military regime has not announced the arrest and
confiscation.

All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)

For more information please contact 01-654 4984, 01-253 9802.