Dangerous prey: Khun Sa may be Rangoon's next target

Article Abstract:

Burma's military appears to be preparing for an assault on drug lord Khun Sa in his well-defended base at Homong. After its crushing defeat of the Karen National Union, a move on the Shan warlord and his Mong Tai Army, ostensibly an ethnic resistance, is a logical move. Thailand has also cracked down on Khun's operations, casting his organization into financial chaos. However, he still has 15,000 well-armed troops and controls much of Burma's 2,400-ton annual opium trade. His rivals, though, are able to operate in the open.

Military aspects, Military policy

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Smack in the face: new narcotic chieftains usurp traditional drug barons

Article Abstract:

A Burmese government amnesty on income which could not be proven legally obtained has allowed Golden Triangle drug lords to come out in public. Traditional drug barons who stayed in the jungles surrounded by private armies have been supplanted by dealers who used the state's tax amnesty to launder drug money which they reinvested in property and legitimate business. Reports also state that drug operations are being diversified, with new refineries being set up in border regions away from established opium centers.

Political aspects, Drug traffic

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The noose tightens: Khun Sa faces a day of reckoning

Article Abstract:

Burmese drug lord Khun Sa may face his oft-postponed day of reckoning, thanks to a concerted govt push against him and its alliances with his competitors. His own Mong Tai Army suffers from internal rifts between Chinese businessmen and Shan troops, Thailand may cut off the supply lines it has long claimed were inaccessible, and up to 10,000 govt troops are on the southern flank of his Homong-region stronghold. Other drug lords have pledged some 3000 troops to support the move against their rival.

Investigations, Narcotics, Control of, Narcotics control

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