Myanmar cracks down on narcotics, gambling in Mandalay region

Myanmar's Mandalay regional authorities have ordered a crackdown on narcotics and gambling in the region including Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin cities as part of the new government's 100-day initiative since taking office, according to official report Friday.

Mandalay region Chief Minister U Zaw Myint Muang called on the public to cooperate for the move.

Daily arrest against perpetrators of narcotics trading and gambling activities are being made, said Mandalay Police Chief Han Htun.

The crackdown will last until Aug. 8, according to the authorities.

The public has responded that the 100-day initiative is proving to have a positive impact.

In March, the Mandalay authorities seized a record haul of narcotic drugs in the city, valued at 30 billion kyats (24.5 million U.S. dollars). The seizure was made when searching a container in Pyigyidagun township.

The largest seizure of drug in the region led to the arrest of three traffickers then.

Official statistics show that Myanmar exposed over 6,400 drug-related cases in 2015, arresting 9,188 offenders.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's Yangon regional authorities is reinforcing police strength to crack down on gang violence and crime in the commercial city.

As part of the regional government's 100-day program that aims to ensure rule of law and reduce crime in the city, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein called for setting up an effective administrative mechanism to combat gang presence in some areas of the region, pledging to root out gangs that threaten public safety and make death threats to police.

Since the start of the 100-day initiative plan as of May 1 in Yangon , a total of 495 cases including 51 cases of gambling and 63 cases of narcotics were filed and 70 suspects were so far arrested. Enditem