Nay Pyi Taw, January (20)
The second military leader admitted that illegal trade increased in various states and regions, including the Nay Pyi Taw, under their rule.
The second military leader, Vice Sr. Gen. Soe Win, made this comment at the meeting of the Illegal Trade Eradication Steering Committee on January 18 in Nay Pyi Taw.
He stated that while illegal trade has been reduced to some extent and legal action is being taken, it has increased significantly in comparison to the same period last year.
He added 4,232 illegal trades worth over 65 billion kyats were seized between January and December 2022.
Additionally, he noted that this year there were more than 1990 cases with an estimated value of 56.597 billion kyats, compared to 2,240 illegal trades with an estimated value of 8.459 billion kyats that were seized during the same period last year.
It was said at the meeting that weapons and drugs were also seized in the illegal trade, but no other types of items were mentioned.
Political analyst U Than Soe Naing claimed that it is impossible to stop illegal trading because the military council and departmental personnel are also involved in this scandal.
The second leader said that it is necessary to facilitate trade at the official border trade camp, and on the other hand, illegal entrances and routes will be effectively checked and decisive action will be taken.
He stressed the importance of enforcing the rule of law along borders to do so.
Since the military coup, the closure of border trade gates, restrictions on the importation of certain goods, restrictions on import policies and stricter inspection of imports by the military council have led to the growth of illegal trade and the black market, businessmen say.
News- Than Lwin Times