Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 13 March 2025 

Inhabitants of Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, report a rise in criminal activities and drug trafficking, with minimal to no response from officials under the leadership of the junta's state chief minister, U Htein Lin. 

A woman living in Sittwe informed Narinjara News that, in addition to crimes like house break-ins, thefts, and the selling of destroyed homes, drug consumption has been gradually rising. 

“The chief minister, U Htein Lin, is no longer efficiently handling his administrative responsibilities. The police are neither arresting nor acting against offenders. Consequently, the use of drugs is increasing alongside theft and burglary. We observe an increase in drug use among individuals in concealed locations throughout the day and night. As no arrests are being made, individuals are freely using drugs. It appears that the authorities are permitting this to occur," she stated. 

A source familiar with the Sittwe administration also disclosed that certain drug traffickers have ties to cronies linked to the junta and their relatives. Although the junta is aware of these actions, it intentionally refrains from acting against them. 

"The individuals distributing drugs are linked to the junta, and it appears they have a deal with the police. WY tablets and needles may be located close to garbage containers. Drugs are prevalent in Sittwe, and it seems as if they are deliberately ruining people's lives," the source stated. 

A mother of a student from Sittwe voiced her worries about the increasing feelings of despair among the youth in the city, many of whom are jobless, have no access to higher education, and cannot secure employment overseas.

"This scenario has driven some youth toward negative choices, resulting in increased substance use," she remarked. “A significant number of young individuals are experiencing depression. They are out of work and no longer have access to education. Certain individuals feel despair and are moving in an undesirable direction. Facing a bleak future, an increasing number are resorting to drugs and alcohol.” 

She additionally noted that unemployment in Sittwe is increasing, causing some individuals to be unable to buy daily meals, which has resulted in a rise in crimes such as the sale of dismantled homes, burglaries, and theft. 

“There’s a higher rate of theft at night, making people feel unsafe in their own residences. Theft, burglary, and robbery were present in the past, but with effective governance, major incidents were uncommon, and neighbors supported one another. Currently, the majority of neighbors have abandoned the city, and safety is a genuine issue. "Nowadays in Sittwe, burglars enter homes, but the neighbors are too scared to sound the alert," she remarked. 

A man informed Narinjara News that the junta-led government's inability to provide security in Sittwe has led to an increase in criminal activities.

"Substance addiction differs from alcohol addiction. When you are dependent, you become susceptible to the junta's domination. If they provide the drugs, you will comply with all their demands. That’s the reason they are attempting to ensnare the young people in the area," he stated. 

Local inhabitants stated that they observed drug users in several locations, such as Strand Road, Shu Khin Thar Street, Khaing Thazin Park, and Nandawun Garden.

Reports suggest that drug users in Sittwe consist of teenagers, some university students, and adults in their mid-30s to early 40s.

In Arakan State, methamphetamine tablets are readily accessible. Prior to the military coup, these tablets were priced at approximately 1,000 kyats each. Nonetheless, the cost has fallen to roughly 500 kyats for each pill since the coup.

In Sittwe, certain affluent individuals connected to the junta are prospering in commerce, whereas displaced individuals and local workers who have relocated to the city from rural areas are struggling to make ends meet.