Illegal Trades: Illegal Diesel, Raw Jade, Timbers, Commodities Seized

The effective action is being taken to prevent illegal trades under the law supervised by the Anti-Illegal Trade Steering Committee.

On 18 February, the unit led by Commander Min Thuya of Taninthayi Naval Region Command conducted the sea domination operation and seized one illegal oil tanker called MT Kyaw Min Thu measured 32.3 metres in length, seven metres in width with a draught of 2.5 metres (iron frame). They confiscated about 8,000 gallons of diesel worth 56 million Kyats, including 250,250 USD and took action under the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Law.

On 21 February, the Ayeyawady Region Forest Department seized 576,912 Kyats worth of 8.2416 tons of timber in Myanaung Township in a surprise check and took action under the Forest Law.

Similarly, the Customs Department at Asia World Port Terminal inspected the imported containers from China and seized over 4.05 million Kyats worth of various small remote-control toys which were not expressed in ID lists and action was taken under the Customs Law.

Moreover, on 22 February, the Kawkareik- Tadakyoe inspection team of Kayin State seized undocumented 100 packs of washing powder worth 2 million Kyats and the officials took action under the Customs Law.

The combined inspection team of the Sagaing Region also seized 5.5 million Kyats worth of two unregistered vehicles — Toyota Hilux Surf worth 4.5 million Kyats in Sagaing Township and Toyota Dyna worth 1 million Kyats, and they took action under the Export/ Import Law.

Similarly, the Yaypu checkpoint of Shan State 5 million Kyats worth of overloaded China-made foodstuffs and 4 million Kyats worth of unregistered Toyota Wish that carried similar foodstuffs, and the officials took action under the Customs Law.

Moreover, the combined team of Kachin State also seized 344 bags contacting large/small sizes of raw jade and took action under Myanmar Gems Law. Thus, a total of 9 arrests (estimated value of over 77.13 million Kyats) including 250,250 USD were made on 18, 21 and 22 February, according to the committee.