Aung Kywe Nyein, Narinjara News, 25 March 2025

The Arakan Army (AA) has apprehended an individual in Sami Town, Chin State, for trafficking close to 180 bottles of alcohol produced on the mainland, which is prohibited in Arakan State. 

The detained individual, U Maung Thar Nyo, aged over 40, hails from the village of Chaung Nwe Min Gan in Sittwe Township. He brings in and sells products from the Magway Region and India to Arakan State. 

U Maung Thar Nyo was apprehended at the Sami checkpoint on March 22 while carrying 179 bottles of prohibited alcohol concealed in cigarette boxes. As per a local resident from Sami Town, he was traversing Saw Town in the Magway Region when the seizure occurred. 

"He was apprehended with alcohol during a checkpoint review. The purchase and use of alcohol made on the mainland is prohibited in Arakan State, and he will face legal consequences," the resident stated. 

At the checkpoint in the Sami Myoma No.2 ward of Paletwa, AA officials confiscated 179 bottles of liquor, comprising 119 bottles of GRAND and 60 bottles of RED LABEL. 

At present, the Sami Town police are enforcing the Import and Export Act against U Maung Thar Nyo for transporting alcohol made in the mainland, which is banned by the AA. 

The AA prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks produced on the mainland in Arakan State beginning September 19, 2024. A total ban was subsequently enforced on December 20, 2024.