Police demanded a local family in WeaTonChaung Village, Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State pay 600,000 Kyat after their son was found consuming Kratom leaves.

Police, with the help of two locals, seized Maung Hein Min Latt, at his home in WaeTonChaung Village near Thanbyuzayat Town on May 19, 2019. He was charged with possession of Kratom leaves and forced to pay a 600,000 Kyat fine to Corporal U Kyaw Zin Oo and the two locals who assisted in the arrest.

“They saw my son drinking Kratom leave. They seized the leaves. After arresting my son, two locals [from police side] came in. They first asked for 1,000,000 Kyat. When I said I did not have that much money, the locals suggested negotiating. So, I was asked to provide 6 Lakh (600,000) Kyat and if not, 5 lakh. We made an appointment to meet at the Village Administration Office the next morning. The locals arrived but 5 lakh was not acceptable. The two locals said a promise must not be broken and that 6 lakh must be provided. They took me near the Christian Church and I had to give them 6 lakh right by the church,” said Daw Nyut Yee, mother of Maung Hein Min Latt.

After being forced to pay the fine, Maung Hein Min Latt’s family submitted a complaint letter to the Anti-Corruption Commission Office and State Counselor Office on the grounds that the Police behavior in Maung Hein Min Latt’s case was an act of corruption.

“If we do not submit this complaint, they will come over and over again to demand the money. Such cases have happened three-to-four times already. So, we reported this after discussing with our relatives,” said Nai Tin Maung Oo, a family member.

When the MNA contacted Deputy Police Chief of MyoMa Police Station of Thanbyuzayat Town, he replied that he had only heard about the complaint letter and had no additional information about any other matters.