Narinjara News, 25 March 2022

Rakhine State has been witnessing the increase of illegal drug uses, including WY stimulants, under the current administration of military backedgovernment, allege locals.

Ko Aung Chae, a resident of Buthidaung locality, claimed  that the use of drugs among teenagers was on rise intheir township, which is locatedin  northern Rakhine.

"Drug use among 14 to  15 years old adolescents is increasing. More youths are also consuming illegalmedicines,” he added.

The WY stimulants are commonly used by people in abandoned buildings, on bridges, roadsides,  lakesides, etc stated the locals.

Ma Su Thet Khaing, vice-chairman of Taungup Youth Network, said that it’s a common scene where theyoung  people are involved. Those students,who had stopped going to schools because of  Covid-19 restrictions,  now are addicted todrugs.

In various Rakhine cities, small towns and villages, onlookers can see young people using the stimulant pills.

It has become more widespread than ever before. In some ancient cities like Mrauk-U, those addictedindividuals start taking drugs insidepagodas too.

The teenagers, students and young people can buy the WY stimulants with a cheaper price everywhere inRakhine State. The anti-drug campaignersand activists insist on continuing the crackdown against the drug trafficker across the State.

A local resident of Pauktaw township commented that the use of drugs by young people is a matter of seriousconcern for the future of RakhineState as it may increase the crime rate in the days to come.

"It has slowly come to our notice. Incidents of theft and robbery may increase in future. In my view, thepeople must be aware of the negativeimpact of drug abuse so that we can prevent the menace before it is too late,” he added.

Arakan National League / Arakan Army (ULA / AA) spokesman UKhaing Thu Kha in an online pressconference on 5 March last commented that they would think about the necessary address/crackdown to drug menacein Rakhine society.