A People’s Defence Force in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region is working to rid local society of addictive illicit drugs.

The PDF-Mawlu reportedly seized illicit drugs in Thitsar Ward, Mawlu Town, Katha District, Sagaing Region at around 7 a.m. on 13 July.

“The drugs are sold inside tents like selling food. Due to the current situation of the country, there are lots of people who are selling drugs illegally. The drug dealers and also drug users are arrested. They are forced to lie on the ground and are beaten 10 times with a stick. If a person buys 1,000 kyat’s worth, he is beaten 100 times. He is beaten on the buttocks with a stick. If we do not do this, it will get worse,” an official from the PDF-Mawlu told Mizzima.

According to PDF-Mawlu, the seized drugs and the tents were burned down, and the drug dealer and users were beaten with sticks and then released.

The PDF-Mawlu has warned the people on 13 July that to avoid illicit drugs and if people do not listen to their warnings, the PDF Mawlu will not guarantee the lives of drugs users and dealers.

The latest action came after an earlier move on the evening of 9 July when PDF-Mawlu seized illicit drugs worth more than 7.2 million Kyat in Mawlu Township.