More parents have been seeking rehabilitation for their drug-addicted children. According to Nai Jalon Htaw, Chairperson of New Mon State Party (NMSP) for Mawlamyine District, concerned parents are starting to send their children to the Mawlamyine District Drug Control Unit.

The Party has been arresting drug dealers and urginging parents to send their drug-addicted youth for rehabilitation.

“Mostly, parents bring their children by themselves. Today, most young people like to use drugs with their friends. As the number of drug users has increased, their parents are not able to look after them anymore. Once they [drug-addicts are unable to] get money from parents, they become violent and break down things in the house. So their parents decide to send them to [us].” said Nai Jalon Htaw.

Drug-related arrests have been increasing even beyond restricted areas. There were an estimated 400 drug-related cases in Mon State in 2018. Just half way into 2019 there has already been 262 cases, according to the Police Chief’s Office.

More than 70 drug addicted patients have been admitted to Mawlamyine District Drug Control Unit.

The NMSP established another drug rehabilitation center in its controlled-area Wai Zin Center of Dawei District.

U Khin Maung Htwe, Village Administrator of Naing Hlone-Lat-Dat village, Mudon Township said “The NMSP has put so much effort on it [anti-drug campaign]. Drugs [are] destroying youth and [we] do not want it to happen. The NMSP is taking its part in its controlled areas. For the NMSP uncontrolled areas, [all we can do is] inform [the authorities’.”

As the numbers of drug users increases each year, greater cooperation between various sectors is needed to support a comprehensive anti-drug campaign, he added.