Gangs of substance abusers committing more thefts in Ye

March 24, 2025

HURFOM: Since February, 2025, local villagers have been reporting to HURFOM that gangs of substance abusers are committing theft and robbery in villages in Northern Ye Township, Mon State.

Ever since the attempted coup that began in February, 2021, the rule of law has become progressively weaker and local authorities are unable to adequately respond to criminal cases and incidents linked to substance abuse.

Substance abusers have been stealing and robbing motorbikes and valuables from villagers as well as fruits from plantations.

“These people need money to buy drugs and they’re stealing things. The authorities don’t arrest them. Even if they do arrest some of them, they release them after extorting money from them. So, there are lots of substance abusers and thieves in our village. Now, it’s a festive period and many villagers have lost their motorbikes,” said a resident of Ye Township.

The gangs have been robbing so many motorbikes in Northern Ye Township that local people are having problems with their daily activities.

“No one dares not go outside after 4 pm. The streets are empty. If they can steal, they rob. Even though there is a curfew, the thieves are still going outside at night. So, they (and the military junta who imposed the curfew) might be on the same side,” said another resident.

The military junta declared martial law in Ye Township and imposed an 8pm to 6am curfew. Despite these measures, villagers report to HURFOM that their motorbikes, mobile phones, purses or wallets and jewelry are frequently stolen.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News