Cannabis farms linked to NUG spark concerns over youth addiction in Sagaing Region
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Phyo/Thant Zin (NP News) - Dec 10
In Myinmu and Ayadaw townships of Sagaing Region, where NUG-affiliated groups are cultivating cannabis to make money, the area under cultivation has increased to nearly 100 acres by the second half of this year, and locals told The Statesman Journal that even underage youths are using marijuana.
It is learned that, taking advantage of regional instability, PDF groups have cultivated large cannabis plots in villages under the control of NUG-affiliated groups in Myinmu Township since 2022.
In addition, a resident who knows about it said that the above groups have been cultivating cannabis on the farmlands of at least five villages in Ayadaw Township, and that they are distributing and selling cannabis not only in the region but also in other areas for their own benefit.
“They started planting this year. Many children are getting addicted. I heard that there are tens of acres or more. They are doing it for business. I only know that the NUG-affiliated township groups are leading the work. But I don’t know their names,” he said.
Locals previously used the land to grow peanuts and sesame, but the areas where cannabis is grown by the NUG-affiliated groups are currently increasing, according to the residents.
“The land was previously used to grow peanuts and sesame. The NUG-affiliated groups and PDF are planting it for their own business. The locals are not involved,” he added.
As the cannabis cultivation area has increased, so has the the rate of cannabis use, even among underage youths in the region.
There are reports that NUG-affiliated groups are issuing warnings, bans, and making arrests regarding cannabis cultivation and sales in these townships, but this has not been independently confirmed.