Regional Stability: Weapons smuggling by PDF suspect disguised as monk foiled

Security forces intercepted and arrested a suspected member of the PDF who was allegedly smuggling weapons disguised as a monk.

Acting on a tip-off on Sunday, the suspect Than Lwin was stopped near Nyaung Pin Tha Village in Phyu Township, while transporting firearms and ammunition in a black X-Trail vehicle without a license. Authorities discovered nine firearms and related materials hidden inside the vehicle.

The suspect was reportedly moving the weapons from Kyauktine Village to an area near Kywe Pwe Town in Oattwin Township or the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway Milepost 128/2. After interrogation process, the security forces continued operations, with clashes occurred near Milepost 127/6, where other PDF members in uniform encountered security forces and fled the scene.

During this encounter, the detained man tried to escape and was fatally shot when he ignored warnings to stop. Authorities said the weapons seizure was made possible by local residents who secretly reported the movement, helping prevent potential attacks and violence. Officials urge the public to continue sharing information confidentially to help maintain peace and security in local communities.