By Nway / MPA
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) released 71 individuals in Mogok Township, Mandalay Region, on February 25 after they completed a six-month drug rehabilitation program.
The released individuals included both those arrested by the TNLA’s anti-drug task force and those whose parents had voluntarily sent them for rehabilitation, according to a TNLA statement issued on March 3.
“After the coup, drug sales in Mogok were openly conducted with payments to the military and police, leading to a sharp rise in drug use. While drug sales have significantly declined since the TNLA took control, some activity still persists. However, as the TNLA is in a revolutionary period, it faces limitations in deploying enough manpower for full enforcement,” a Mogok resident told MPA.
According to the TNLA, individuals sent to rehabilitation for the first time undergo a six-month program. Those who relapse and are caught using drugs again will be sent to the rehabilitation center for three years.
Additionally, the TNLA previously released 131 drug users in Kyaukme Township on Jan.7, following their completion of a rehabilitation program after being arrested by the anti-drug task force.
