The Karen National Police Force (KNPF) released an April 5 appeal asking citizens to join the efforts combatting petty crime, gambling, drugs, road violations and other infringements of the law.

Saw Nyein Chan, head of the KNPF in Hpa-pya Village, urged the public to “unify” with law enforcement officials in order to stop drug sales.

The announcement appeared to puzzle locals, however.

“We already have procedures for cooperating with local ward and village [administrations] on drug and gambling cases. Civilians can’t arrest suspects personally, so who would dare to report them to the authorities? The informer’s life can be in danger if the drug dealers and gamblers find out who he or she is,” said resident Saw Tha Phalaw.

Local residents have blamed the KNU for failing to take action to stop the local drug trade.

The KNPF escalated its crackdown on drug trafficking starting last July, resulting in the arrest of over 200 people and the destruction of 5,000 methamphetamine pills within last year, according to a Kawkareik township official.
 
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by Laignee Barron