Chin armed group detains rival fighters in large narcotics bust

A Chin resistance group said Wednesday it arrested members of a rival anti-junta force allegedly transporting narcotics near Falam town, Chin State, exposing further rifts within some Chin armed groups. The Chinland Defense Force–Hakha said its fighters intercepted the group, which operates under the country’s National Unity Government (NUG), near the Var Bridge on July 8. The group, also known as CDF–Hakha, told Myanmar Now that its forces seized around 3 million methamphetamine tablets, approximately 110 kilograms of heroin, two rifles, and two mini Starlink devices from two vehicles. Five fighters were arrested during the operation, while two others managed to escape. CDF—Hakha also claimed to have seized a document authorizing the transport, allegedly signed by the commander of NUG’s Yinmarbin District Battalion 15.Among those arrested were Zaw Naung from Battalion 14, Arkar Phyo—a former Battalion 10 member—and Khin Zaw Hein of the People’s Defense Organization in Salingyi Township, along with a driver and a vehicle assistant. While the items were being inspected, two people identified as transport coordinators— Zaw Latt and Padee—fled the scene on a motorcycle, according to the CDF–Hakha spokesperson. The group also released footage showing the detainees being interrogated. In the video, two men wearing camouflage uniforms bearing People’s Defense Force (PDF) insignia are visibly detained. In the video clip, the driver introduces himself as "Kyaw Hein" and confessed that the narcotics were transported from Ngwethar village in Salingyi Township. “They told us the material belongs to the organisation,” he said. “They said it was from Battalion 15, Yinmarbin District.” The CDF–Hakha spokesperson noted this was the group’s fourth attempt to transport drugs, and the first time they used this particular route. The previous three attempts were reportedly routed through Sagaing Region.“When we questioned them, they said this was the first time through Hakha Township,” the spokesperson said. “Previously, they transported the drugs through otherroutes, but only delivered as far as the Var Bridge in Falam Township.” A group of men are arrested in relation to a drug seizure near Falam, Chin State, Myanmar. (Photo: Screenshot from CDF–Hakha) In a separate statement, Phoe Thaung, commander of Yinmarbin Battalion 15, confirmed he had issued a letter authorising the transport of explosives using four comrades, two rifles, and two vehicles. Phoe Thaung denied any involvement in drug trafficking, claiming the smuggling was carried out by individuals acting on their own and not on behalf of the group. The CDF–Hakha statement also said that the battalion does not tolerate any criminal activities carried out in its name and will take preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not happen again. Myanmar Now attempted to reach NUG spokesperson Nay Phone Latt for comment, but had not received a response by Wednesday evening. Tensions in Chin State have escalated sharply in recent months as rival armed groups clash over control of key territories. These conflicts have intensified longstanding divisions, fueling instability and raising fears of broader violence. “We’ll also try to catch the two who escaped,” the CDF–Hakha spokesperson added. “As for the detainees, we’ll deal with them according to the law. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation and if it’s appropriate to prosecute, we will. If it’s necessary to hand them over to the NUG, we’ll do that too.”

Chin armed group detains rival fighters in large narcotics bust

The captured fighters are suspected PDFs, raising concerns about illicit operations within the resistance movement

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