Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says Burma has arrested a drug kingpin as a sign of cooperation with Thailand in the fight against drugs. Mr. Thaksin said today (Saturday) during his weekly radio address that Burmese authorities have detained an ethnic Wa drug lord. He did not identify the suspect or say when the arrest was made.
Millions of methamphetamine (or "speed") tablets flow from Burma into Thailand every year. Mr. Thaksin says that if Burma cannot get rid of the traffickers and the drug labs, Thai authorities will do the job themselves.
The issue caused diplomatic friction between the neighbors earlier this week after Thai forces killed nine alleged drug smugglers near the border. Mr. Thaksin says Burma needs to show its dedication in combatting the drug trade.
Information for this report is provided by AFP and AP.