QUESTIONS RAISED OVER WHETHER SHAN ARMY IS BACK IN DRUGS TRADE

It would seem past experience should be recalled when someone from a group
of "known drug kingpins/warlords" ends up on a list supplied by a foreign
agency.

There appear to be a number of lists. A known "drug kingpin" showed up in
Thailand, and the Thai authorities, acting on intelligence supplied in part
by the US government, detained him and stripped him of his Thai
citizenship. Then no one wanted him, and he was allowed to walk away.

I see the latest intelligence on the Shan State Army indicates a relapse
into the drug trade. What would make this a terrible turn of events, if
true, is that the young commander of the SSA gave every indication of
taking an anti-drug stand without equivocation.

I would be remiss if I did not state that at no time did the United States
government provide any encouragement when the commander of the Shan State
Army ordered attacks on Burmese-Wa positions and drugs were found. Not only
amphetamines, but heroin also, and all were turned in to the proper
authorities.

I know for a fact certain commanders and soldiers chaffed under the strict
discipline meted out by the SSA commander. So, if "defectors" to the Wa or
Burmese were the "sources" for intelligence, it would certainly be at the
very least suspect. Again, if there is true evidence of the SSA and its
commander lapsing back into the bad old days of Khun Sa, there is no
excuse. But it certainly must be more than "the pot calling the kettle
black", as pertains to anything coming from the Burmese side.

The "War on Terror" must look on any group involved in the drug trade as a
possible provider of fuel for the terrorist fires. But the true stokers of
the flame are various governments who use the anti-drug theme as an excuse
to murder and burn down the homes of ethnic minorities, all the while
welcoming as allies and business partners the worst dope- and
terror-producers on earth.

There are no good dope-producers, and there never were. Colonel Yawd Serk
would seem to have no option except to make war on any and all involved in
the drug trade, including any allies or members of his army. If not, all is
lost. Thailand must be careful also, as described in paragraph one above,
because taking the strong stand, based on someone's "list" sometimes leaves
you standing alone when the list- makers fail to stand beside you.

Lastly, Yawd Serk must provide evidence, and foreign governments must
provide theirs to Thailand. If the colonel cannot, he loses.

Mark A Smith

BANGKOK