The Chin Defense Force (CDF-DAI) issued a statement that bans the transport and sale of drugs, alcohol and tribal brew in their area, Chin State.

A statement issued on 23 December stated that the ban was imposed during the “revolutionary period”. It is said that both sellers and buyers will be fined 500,000 Kyats and the goods will be destroyed if they are found smuggling and selling local tribal brew, including drugs and alcohol.

In addition, anyone who is involved in such trade in the CDF (DAI)-controlled area, will face serious punitive action. Regular inspections and spot checks will also be carried out, the statement said.

The Dai people are an ethnic group living in the southern townships of Chin State, such as Kanpetlet, Mindat, Matupi and Paletwa.