Junta’s security forces extort “Kratom leaf” users

March 6, 2024

HURFOM: According to a member of the Mudon Village/Ward Administration Department, junta’s security forces have been interrogating, extorting and arresting individuals who have substance misuse issues with “Kratom leaf”.

These individuals are present in villages across Mon State and are being extorted for millions of MMK.

Nearly all rubber plantation workers and young people in Mon State imbibe “Kratom leaf” liquor which is popular at traditional festivals and ceremonies.

Junta’s security forces installed check-points at the entrance and exit of the villages alleging this is for security reasons. They interrogate villages at these locations and extort users of kratom leaf.

“Every plantation worker has some “Kratom leaf” liquor. Some of them keep just the leaves. When they are interrogated, they are threatened with arrest unless they pay from 500,000 MMK to 2.5 million MMK,” said a man from Mudon Township who was caught by junta security forces.

Villagers face interrogation from the military, as well as groups aligned with the junta like the Mon Peace Front, police and local militia.

Villagers reported to HURFOM that during interrogations, nearly every villager was caught with Kratom leaves, liquor or WY tablets.

“The sellers or dealers of these products are familiar with soldiers and the police forces. They inform the security forces who then target these same people for interrogation and extortion,” said a member of the Thanbyuzayat Township General Administration Department.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News