Opium exported from Karenni State was seized by Thai authorities at Huay Pulaung gate, which is the no. 10 border checkpoint (BP10) along the Thai-Burmese border.

Thai authorities seized a total of 12 kilograms of opium and arrested two local people who live in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, on 16 March.

“It is opium. It was exported from Burma. Two people have escaped. They could not have been local Thai people. However, two Mae Hong Son local people have been detained. They come from Huay Pulaung,” said a Thai military officer based in Mae Hong Son.

The combined forces of the Anti-Drug Enforcement Agency and the Thai Royal Army based in Mae Hong Son are holding the seized opium.

“This is the first time we have been able to seize such a large amount of opium from along this route. We opened this route in 2005. We have never seen this much opium,” the Thai military officer added.

Poppy plants were grown at the border area between Karenni and Shan State in the past. Recently, poppy cultivation has been seen in Phruso Township of Karenni State. Drug trafficking and use have recently seen a dramatic increase in Karenni State. Burmese authorities seized a quantity of opium in Phruso town in February.