WEI SETS UP NEW FRONT FIRM

The Third Army has called on Rangoon to close down a front company set up
by drug warlord Wei Hseuh-kang to replace his Hong Pang Co, which was
forced into closure by a previous crackdown on his activities.

Third Army chief Lt-Gen Udomchai Ongkhasing said Mr Wei had set up a
company named Greenland Co, with branches in Burma's Tachilek province and
other border areas, as a front for the production and distribution of
methamphetamine.

He believed Rangoon would co-operate in closing down the company after
completing an investigation into the matter.

Lt-Gen Udomchai said Greenland Co was established soon after Rangoon closed
down Hong Pang Co following a visit to Bangkok by Gen Maung Aye, Burma's
second-most powerful official, in April.

The army would monitor anti-Rangoon Shan rebels in return for Rangoon's
co-operation in cracking down on drug-producing units of the United Wa
State Army, led by Mr Wei.