A press conference conducted by the government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on the largest seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and the places where narcotic drugs were refined, and the materials used in drug production took place at the Anisakhan Air Field in PyinOoLwin of Mandalay Region yesterday morning.
National Defence and Security Council’s Information Team Leader Deputy Minister for Information Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun and Chief of Myanmar Police Force Police Lt-Gen Win Zaw Moe made clarifications.
The press conference was also attended by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ko Ko Kyaw, officials from the Myanmar Police Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Shan State government, diplomats, military attaches and officials from embassies of Sri Lakna, Bangladesh, India and China, officials from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and reporters from local news agencies, daily newspapers, local TV news agencies, and local-based foreign news agencies.
The Leader of the NDSC’s Information Team explained the background history of narcotic drugs entering Myanmar, anti-drug operations of the government and Tatmadaw, present exposure and seizures, and active cooperation of Myanmar with neighbouring countries, ASEAN member states, Mekong region countries, BIMSTEC member states, and international drug control bodies in eradicating narcotic drugs.
The MPF Chief also clarified seizures of narcotic drugs, chemicals and related materials used in drug production from the areas near the sites where further seizures of narcotic drug production sites have been conducted near Hsipaw and Mongyai townships of Shan State (North), and continuous combing of the areas.
Attendees observed photographs documenting the destruction of seized narcotics, related paraphernalia used in refining drugs, and seized accessories, as well as documentary photos on seized drugs that had been burned, buried, or otherwise destroyed.
They all arrived at two places where drugs were produced, 33 kilometres southwest of Mongyai in Shan State (North) by helicopter. Commander of Drug Enforcement Division of MPF Police Brig-Gen Thant Lwin Maung briefed them on seizures of drugs and related materials, further seizures of chemicals and related equipment used in drug production at the sites 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14, and production techniques for producing the drugs. He then replied to questions raised by officials from UNODC and the media.
The Ministry of Home Affairs presented foodstuffs to members of the Tatmadaw and MPF who participated in the anti-drug operation through officials.
They all observed chemicals used in drug production and related accessories. Officials and security members conducted them around the temporary buildings, chemicals and drug production materials in relevant sites and responded to questions raised by the media.
The Deputy Information Minister, the MPF Chief and officials, diplomats and media arrived at the site where drugs were produced, nine kilometres southwest of Mongyai, where officials explained temporary buildings, chemicals and related accessories used in drug production in respective sites and replied to questions.
They observed the activities of burning, burying, exploding and destroying the seized narcotic drugs, chemicals and necessary accessories used in drug production in three sites by helicopter.
During yesterday’s field trip, clarifications of officials and responses of security members who participated in the anti-drug operations to questions raised by the media were stated as follows: -
Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun
I also spoke about narcotics in comparison with their historical context. Narcotics have deeply rooted themselves in Myanmar. The reason they took root goes back far. They have been entrenched since the colonial period. As I explained earlier, Myanmar originally did not have opium. During the colonial period, opium dens were established. This was not only in our country; based on my research, it was widespread in China as well. There were even opium wars. They treated opium like a weapon. So, when we look at where this deep-rooted problem became worse for Myanmar, it was when EAOs emerged. This business is an easy way to make money. Think about how easily money can be earned. Even today, the investment in this trade is probably very large. The equipment we saw, the methods they use, and the chemicals they import – all of these show how they operate. But the profits are huge. Because the profits are so high, they continue production. And why is that? To protect these narcotics operations, they need reliable armed groups. To equip these armed groups, they need weapons. They also need people to protect them from threats. That is why they carry out these activities. As we have already said, the narcotics produced in this area do not move through just a single route, as mentioned earlier. One thing is certain: they are transported by sea as well. They also move out through all border areas. What this means is that money is generated from these narcotics. That money is then used to buy weapons, establish armed groups, and support those armed groups. The armed groups, in turn, build power.
After consolidating power, they continue the narcotics business. This cycle keeps repeating. So what do we need? There are two things. First is authority. Second is internal strength. By internal strength, as you and I have seen in the places we visited, there are villages in those areas. One certainty is that the villagers there are also involved in narcotics production activities. When I say ‘involved,’ it does not necessarily mean they know it is narcotics. In fact, it is more likely that they do not know. I can say that nearly 100 per cent of them do not know what is actually being produced. Even without knowing it, those villagers may still provide support. For example, they may sell food and drinks, and such things might be provided. So, when we encounter these situations, as I mentioned today, we need the support of the local population, local media, and the general internal strength within the country. Second, we also need external support. Why do we need external support? It is because these narcotics are a global threat. Around the world, in certain places, organizations like AA take narcotics step by step. They are responsible for shipping it via sea routes. In all activities at sea, AA is involved. When we say AA is involved, it is not just indirectly – they are directly involved. From high-ranking commanders giving orders to soldiers at different levels, various people are involved. Moreover, narcotics are also intercepted in Thailand. Thailand has informed us that these narcotics originated from Myanmar. Laos has said the same. They search for storage locations and then transport them from there. That’s why international cooperation is also necessary. As you’ve all seen today, everything has already been explained – directly by the head of the Drug Enforcement Division of the Myanmar Police Force, and also by Myanmar’s chemists – how narcotics are produced and processed. These materials cannot be obtained within Myanmar. So how did they get here? They didn’t just arrive on their own. Behind this, there is significant strength and protection. They could not have come here without backing or support.
That is how these narcotics ended up here. So let’s think about it carefully. What do these people take from those who process the drugs? Let’s put it simply – they take money. The people hiding deep in the forest, where the processing happens, how do they get their money? It’s straightforward: they provide the raw materials, and then they receive payment. That’s the business. So, how the finished product moves out can be divided into stages. One way is through the people doing the processing and those who have labour or operational rights. Another way is through those who transport the finished product. And another is through the networks and connections they use. It’s a layered, step-by-step system, in my view. Basically, what I’m saying is that we will explain based on our own perspective and protect ourselves. This area is under the Tatmadaw control, so that’s why people come here and operate. No matter what anyone says – whether Tatmadaw, EAOs, Palaung, Shan, Kachin, Pa-O, Kokang – they all speak from their perspective. When in foreign countries, they never say they are Kokang, Palaung, Kachin, Mon, or Kayin. But they can say they are from Myanmar. The international society can know they are in Myanmar. No outsider from the international community can intervene here. What I want to point out is a Myanmar proverb: ‘When the ground is low, the vines are planted.’ If the ground is low, it will bear vines, meaning the conditions determine what can grow or take root. If you don’t want vines to grow, don’t let the ground be low. If the ground is low, the vines will grow. Sometimes I say this: is it the fault of the person planting the vine, or the fault of the low ground? I think we need to reflect a little on this. Don’t blame only the people planting the vines. Who is it that makes the ground low? It’s us. Why is it low? It is because we haven’t organized ourselves. Why haven’t we organized? Because people are busy chasing greed, we haven’t gathered ourselves. As long as we haven’t organized, the ground will remain low. And while it stays low, others from the international community will come and plant vines. This isn’t just in our country – it’s happening internationally. Countries that are weak or low will experience it. Out of compassion, humanity may give or support, but still, the ground must be ready for planting. That’s how the world works. What I want to say here is that you, the media, have already conducted interviews. The fight against drugs must involve all sides. ‘All sides’ doesn’t just mean the army or the police – it means from every perspective. Right now, we, the youth, must speak out. We must talk about how dangerous drugs are among young people. You can’t just speak about it lightly with casual words. Today, the chemistry office explained that drugs are made by combining highly dangerous chemical substances. These chemical compounds and acids used in producing drugs are so dangerous that you can’t even touch them safely by hand. These substances are combined, and then sweet syrups are added, which is why they seem fragrant. We must make young people understand that this is, in fact, swallowing poison. First, if young people know this, they won’t use it. If they don’t use it, they won’t buy it. Then where will it be sold? That’s one dimension. Another dimension is that, concerning drugs – just like online gambling – we must not pretend not to know, and we must not pretend not to see. So what should we do to avoid turning a blind eye or feigning ignorance? Whether we are those with responsibility or those without, all of us have children. The media also have children. We must make parents aware: never pretend they do not know, never pretend they do not see. We must make them understand that their own children could be drawn into this. That is one dimension. Another dimension concerns the EAOs that are engaged in wrongdoing. We must make it clear that we will not tolerate this – not only the government, but our people, our parents, and our children will not tolerate it. That is one dimension. Another dimension is the government itself. Within any government, there are good people, and there are bad people. Whether they are good or bad, we will be involved in drug eradication efforts. We will be actively involved. If you engage in wrongdoing, we will point it out. From all of these multiple dimensions, I believe we must fight this problem.
Police Brig-Gen Thant Lwin Maung
There are four processes in the P2P method. What I explained earlier is the simplest one. It requires hydrogen gas, and next to the gas cylinder, the green items are those used with hydrogen. They are methylamine, hydrogen gas, and P2P. Only these three are needed. If these three are processed, when hydrogen is passed through two connected compressed steel containers, methamphetamine is produced. At that stage, it is still in a liquid state. That is one method. When we look at the chemicals that we have seized, among the four methods, what we find is that production is being carried out using three of them. Another method is pressurizing metal reactor. In this case as well, at the final stage, what comes out is methamphetamine containing acid. Therefore, when we talk about how much can be produced, in simple terms, by looking at the capacity of the reactor and its containers, we can estimate how much output there will be. What comes out at that stage is methamphetamine in an acid state. That acid state is also converted into an alkaline state. The acid has to be diluted. There are processes for that. We are not the ones producing it, but this is explained based on theory. After that, what you get is still a liquid. That liquid has to be filtered. Then, it reaches a state where hydrochloric acid (HCl) is dissolved in water. From that liquid, a clear liquid separates, and it is placed in freezers or in buckets. Then it is converted back into a solid state. When it reaches the solid state, what happens is that it does not become completely solid, but it is a mixture of solid and liquid. In some places, washing machines are used, but not for washing clothes, but for spinning. Just like when clothes are dry after washing, the liquid drains down, and the solid residue remains. That is one method. Another method is to place it in buckets. There are steel trays, as mentioned earlier. Old steel trays are used to pass the boiler and steam. As steam then cools down, it changes from a liquid state to a solid state. As mentioned earlier, they are put into the small buckets and placed in freezers to cool. Even with cooling, it does not become completely solid, but reaches a mixed state of solid and liquid. Then, to improve the quality of what can be produced, another process is used.
The most important process is the use of tartaric acid. What is tartaric acid? It is used for better purification and better quality. The Ice that comes out initially is of poor quality. When tartaric acid is used, the purity can reach about 98 per cent to 99 per cent. If not, what is commonly seen in the market is just average quality.
By examining the equipment used and the chemicals involved, we are able to determine their production capacity and the methods they are using. This is the P2P method that I have explained. About a decade ago, there was another production method that used pseudoephedrine. There were different methods and processes. There are five methods in total, with the P2P method; there are currently four production processes. Production can be done using these four.
In some of the places, we found writings in Chinese, Shan, and Myanmar languages. For security reasons, these sites are covered by armed groups. Local people mainly engage in agriculture and livestock farming. This is not only for Myanmar, but it makes profits for the whole world. We save the world. We try to save the world. The drug case does not affect only one individual or one sector. In our country now, problems originating from drugs generate huge amounts of money, which then go toward the purchase of weapons by ethnic armed groups. This affects the security and the rule of law of the country. Drug users directly harm the public, and there are also indirect harms. Therefore, the drug issue does not affect only one person in Myanmar. As the Union minister also explained previously, it affects all of humanity. That is why, as I said earlier, we save the world. We try to save the world. We try to save human beings. It is not only for Myanmar.
Ice refers to crystal methamphetamine. What is found in Myanmar and neighbouring countries are stimulant tablets. In those stimulant tablets, even the best quality contains only about 30 per cent of methamphetamine. The remaining 60 to 65 per cent is caffeine.
Caffeine is prohibited in Myanmar. If other chemicals and dyes are added and it reaches 100 per cent, that becomes one tablet. Therefore, if the seized Ice is multiplied by about 3.5, and caffeine and other substances are mixed in, what comes out is methamphetamine tablets, which are called Yaba tablets. These are produced from methamphetamine crystals.
Major Hsan Lin Aung
This site is a major location for the production of Ice (crystal methamphetamine) and heroin. Large quantities of acids and chemical substances currently used in Ice manufacturing were found at the location. In addition, drying trays and mixing machines used in Ice production were discovered. Based on these findings, the site has been confirmed as a place of producing Ice.
This operation was launched on 7 January 2026, and it was carried out through the nonstop movement of security personnel on foot during four nights in five days, combined with ground reconnaissance and aerial intelligence gathering, which led to the continued raids, seizures, and exposure of this site.
The area covers approximately 35 to 40 acres. An armed clash occurred once on 9 January. There was contact, but no casualties or injuries were reported. At the time of engagement, the enemy was estimated to number around 35 to 40. As our forces were stronger, they immediately retreated. They were operating in dispersed groups. I think there must be some form of connection between one factory and another. This large warehouse is completely enclosed. It is a sheltered, weatherproof place used for drying Ice. Even if someone tried to enter, it would be very difficult to get inside. The warehouses are interconnected.
Police Major
From 7 January, we had to travel continuously through nights and days, without rest for four nights and five days, to reach the target location we had set. During that time, we had to cross many creeks. Later, when we came across villages, we avoided them completely. We didn’t use the main roads at all. When we were moving, both Tatmadaw units and the Myanmar police commando units were extremely exhausted. However, we kept pushing forward without stopping, and on the fifth day, we finally reached our target location. Reaching this target location was essential. Because we had to go to this location, it was a serious challenge – we had no choice but to reach it. While we were en route, the enemy tried to ambush us and attacked us at night. Their strength may be around 35 to 40. We launched counterfire at them as well. When contact happened, they retreated and ran away. At the moment, since this is their territory, we can’t definitively say it’s completely secure. In the clash, they ambushed and tried to block us. Their main goal was to prevent us from reaching these locations. As of now, we cannot fully control the situation. Regarding these narcotics, we absolutely cannot tolerate them. Everything must be completely eradicated and destroyed.
Media
This is Production Site 4, where drugs are being manufactured on a large scale. Site 4 is divided into four sub-locations. The place we reached is a new one. This one is an old site, but even though it is old, production is still ongoing. At Site No 4, the main substance being produced is methamphetamine. At Sites 1, 2, and 3, Ice (crystal methamphetamine) is the primary product. Here, you can also see packaging activities and tablet production. That is one point. At this site, there are about four or five different production methods. Since we ourselves are not producers, the way we examine this is by looking at what chemicals they used— what chemicals were left behind when the site was seized. Based on that, we trace backwards using a tracing method to determine the process. Among the four or five production methods, about three are definitely being used. In methamphetamine production, there is a chemical known as a precursor, which initiates the process to obtain methamphetamine. This precursor is called P2P. P2P is not obtained directly; rather, it is produced by processing precursors. After P2P is produced, there are four further processing pathways. By following those four pathways, the methamphetamine crystal Ice that we see is produced. All the chemicals found there also indicate that, in most cases, about three production methods are being used.
For example, at this stage here, if we talk about it, when sodium cyanide is combined with benzyl chloride, alcohol, and the like, we end up with benzyl cyanide. Once the benzyl cyanide is purified, if you then mix it with sulfuric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride, the benzyl cyanide becomes even purer. After that, the benzyl cyanide goes through the next steps using all the chemicals I’ve mentioned here, which I’ve already documented – sodium, ethyl acetate, ether, and so on. Then there’s something called APAAN. From APAAN, they produce P2P through two or three stages. So, when they use these chemicals, they follow about three different methods. Many of the chemicals they use are visible here and can be tested. This is being produced on a fairly large scale. They’re producing all the chemicals they have using multiple methods at a significant scale. Another point is that it’s not just Ice (crystal methamphetamine); there are also methamphetamine tablets. At the camps that the media has reached, people have seen them. And there’s heroin too – they’re in the process of producing white heroin. I showed the materials used to produce white heroin. In small glass containers, there are dark-coloured liquids – this liquid is raw opium. These are the substances they start with to make the final product. At the site, we also found four small iron tanks. They have a slightly unpleasant smell. These are used to process raw opium into heroin. So, these groups are producing various kinds of drugs using multiple methods for their personal, economic, and profit purposes. No matter how you look at it, our land in Myanmar has suffered a lot of damage from this. In the areas we saw, the forests are all drying up. It will be very difficult for these lush, green forests to recover. It’s heartbreaking. Our land is being harmed. We must work together to prevent this and stop it. We need to protect our country. Previously, drug production started with planting opium organically. Then, from opium, they processed it step by step into heroin.
In recent times, it identified synthetic drugs. As you can see here, all of these chemicals are corrosive, can block the respiratory system, and, since many are acids, they are extremely dangerous chemicals. They mix these chemicals and process them according to their methods. All of these chemicals are toxic. Young people, because they don’t know this, tend to look only at the end product and think it smells good or seems fine. But in reality, they are consuming poisons, which is very dangerous. There are serious risks to health and life, and many situations that could lead to the destruction of the younger generation. That’s why it’s important not only to come and see this place, but also to pass on awareness and knowledge about these issues to young people. With something like Happy Water, they mix about three substances. Whether it seems good or bad at first, after the effects wear off, it causes severe health damage, and for the next two or three days, they can’t do anything. As a result, we lose our workforce. So this must be prevented through awareness and responsibility. When it comes to chemicals, some people misuse them – for example, caustic soda, which is meant for industrial use. When such chemicals are misused for technical or illegal purposes, drugs like these are produced. That’s why, in our country, it’s not enough just to control the designated narcotics and psychotropic drugs – we also have surveillance. There are still some chemicals that need to be monitored. Only when we can control these surveillance chemicals can we prevent these kinds of places from appearing and ensure things run smoothly for the State. When we go abroad and attend international meetings, they always mention Myanmar, and we have to listen carefully and explain the situation. Because of this, we can intercept and seize these drugs and chemicals. If production decreases, it will be better. From a humanitarian perspective, this concerns the whole world. The Myanmar military, the Myanmar police, anti-drug units, and all of us are working to save the world. We are trying to save the world. Most of these chemicals are not produced in Myanmar. The authorities need to thoroughly check and control the substances I just mentioned. Some things are not yet controlled, and it’s a bit difficult to monitor them. Most of these substances come from border areas. When local governance is weak, traffickers take advantage and can move and operate freely.
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