MYANMAR – According to some Mawlamyaing based logistics businesses, the junta council seized several cargo trucks, express buses and private cars, accusing them of carrying illegal imported goods.
In recent days, the junta council has set up numerous checkpoints to inspect the vehicles including cargo trucks transporting Thailand products from Myawaddy and would seize the vehicle and detain the driver if they find any Thailand products on board. As a result, logistics businesses are said to be in deep trouble.
“In the previous months, they confiscated the goods but would release the car and driver after negotiations. Now, they seized not just goods but the car and the driver as well. We tried to trace them to see if they can be released but it didn’t work. They wouldn’t release (the car and driver) saying there’s an ongoing operation. It seems like we will lose the car,” said a logistic business from Mawlamyaing.
Meanwhile, the junta council’s statement on October 27 mentioned that a business use item without documents was found on two vehicles heading from Myitkyina to Namatee in Kachin State and that the two involved vehicles, a Nissan AD van and a Hiace mini bus, were seized. Similarly, two Toyota probox vans, one Mitsubishi Canter truck, one For land dump truck and one Yutong bus were seized at the light infantry 202 checkpoint on the Hpa-an-Htilo Road in Karen State, and a Myanmar Station Wagon was seized at the 16 mile Kyaukchaw checkpoint in Mandalay Division for carrying imported goods.
However, when businesses who had their cars seized contacted the related junta checkpoints, they were told that they can exchange their cars for 80% of its value and it is said that some businesses in Mawlamyaing were able to have their cars released after paying 80% of its value to the junta checkpoint.
“When we contacted the junta battalion in charge of the checkpoint that seized the cars, we were told that the car will be released if we paid 80% of its value. They said that the money is to buy a replacement. Since it’s 80%, we don’t bother if the car is already in poor condition. Some whose cars are still in good conditions paid for their cars to be released,” explained a logistics business.
These arrests come after the second in command of the terrorist junta council, Soe Win ordered to fight the illegal trade that is funding the armed organisations, to conduct check and inspections on the road, at the warehouses and storages and even in the markets at the illegal trade eradication executive committee meeting 4/2024 held in Nay Pyi Taw on October 9.
