CNI News
13 January 2026
Authorities in Nay Pyi Taw announced on January 11, 2026, that equipment used for drug manufacturing and "Zha Pian" (online scam) operations was seized in Hsipaw and Mongyai townships of northern Shan State.
On January 9, 2026, security forces seized 18 laptops, 35 desktop computers, 11 mobile phones, and 5 Starlink devices in two buildings (40'x30') used for online scams and gambling operating approximately 9,000 meters northwest of Nalin Village in Hsipaw Township.
Later that afternoon, about 800 meters east of the first location, authorities made further seizures, including:
11 laptops, 6 desktop computers, and 3 Starlink devices.
Two tablet-pressing machines, one drug-stirring machine, and one tablet-counting machine.
2 kg of "Ice" (methamphetamine) and a 10 kg bucket of drug-mixture paste.
25 kg of caustic soda and thirty 25 kg buckets of sodium powder.'
One vehicle, two generators, and one backhoe.
Uniforms and insignia bearing the SSA (Shan State Army) logo, including a green uniform, a pair of two-star shoulder badges, and a green cap.
On January 10, 2026, near Man Phyat Village, approximately 26,000 meters southwest of Mongyai, forces uncovered a large-scale production site consisting of 14 temporary tents and six large buildings. They seized 120 empty plastic barrels, 20 iron barrels containing chemical solutions, 30 empty iron barrels, 60 gas cylinders, 4 large steel steamers, 2 large engines, 67 plastic barrels of acid, and other refining accessories.
The operations continued on January 11, approximately 20,000 meters southwest of Mongyai. Seizures at this site included:
50 plastic-walled buildings used for drug refining and 15 destroyed buildings.
600 gas cylinders, 10 refrigerators, 3 generators, 3 large steamers, and 3 tablet-pressing machines.
500 barrels of chemical solutions, 300 bags of white powder (suspected drug powder), 300 clear plastic bags, and 300 five-gallon acid containers.
6 large steel trays, 30 cardboard boxes of an unidentified white powder, and 300 packages of white powder.
5 motorcycles and 6 suspects, including individuals allegedly linked to the SSA, along with more SSA-branded uniforms and badges.
Additionally, seven primary drug manufacturing sites were discovered 19,000 meters southwest of Mongyai. During the clearance of these areas, 33 warehouses containing drug labs and related materials were found. Items seized there included 443 gas cylinders, 1,312 fiber barrels, 336 iron barrels, two 3-wheel motorcycles, 85 bags of caustic soda, 21 barrels of sulphonic acid, 525 small glass jars, 10 large glass steamers, 40 barrels of ethanol, and 150 steel bowls containing white drug paste.
The Nay Pyi Taw report concluded by stating that during 2025, drugs and precursor chemicals worth over 1,761 billion Kyats were seized across Myanmar.
