Transporter says Arakan Army drug money fuels weapons and endangers community

Photo: U Soe Paing during an interview about his role in AA-linked drug transport. (Bay of Bengal Post)

Arakan Now | 6 Dec 2025

A man identified as U Soe Paing says he was drawn into transporting narcotics for the Arakan Army (AA) after losing work, telling the Bay of Bengal Post in an interview that he did not know drugs were involved when he accepted the job.

He said he had worked as a motorboat driver in Taunggup since 2003 and moved to another area only because jobs were scarce. He said a man known as Ko Tha Gyi arranged the job and told him he would be moving local goods.

U Soe Paing said he was told the cargo would be cement and other legal items, but later learned that AA members and narcotics were part of the transport network.

“I would not have chosen this work if I had known the goods were illegal,” he said. “I have two sons, and I worry for their future.”

He apologized to the Rakhine community and said he regretted being involved in the drug trade, even unknowingly.

He urged the AA not to use drug profits in ways that harm the community, saying the money “should not be used for young Rakhine people or for arms and ammunition.”

U Soe Paing said he now understands the consequences of his role and hopes his account prevents others facing economic pressure from entering similar work.