Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray) — The Arakan Army (AA) and allied forces seized 3.2 million WY-branded methamphetamine pills and arrested two men with ties to the Myanmar military junta in Bago Division.

According to a May 19 statement from the AA news team, joint forces made the discovery on May 1 during a patrol near Uchibin in Padaung Township (Pyay District).

Security personnel raided a suspicious tent, apprehending 40-year-old Aung La Kyaw and 41-year-old Aung Kyaw Moe with the narcotics.

During interrogation, the suspects stated that the illicit shipment belonged to Yangon-based individuals U Moe Kyaw Htwe (41) and U Yan Naing (44), both of whom have connections to the ruling junta.

The detainees also revealed that the military allowed the shipment to bypass multiple junta-controlled checkpoints in Pyay District.

On May 15, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government’s Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) officially charged the suspects under Sections 19(A), 21, and Chin-512 of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law.

DLEPS officials are finalizing evidence to build a strong legal case for prosecution.

This major seizure highlights the AA's expanding military presence in Bago Division, well outside its traditional Rakhine State stronghold.

The AA stated it is actively working with local communities to enforce the rule of law and counter criminal networks exploiting the ongoing political crisis.