26 April 2026 By Mon Lay
RATHEDAUNG, Myanmar — The coast guard of the Arakan Army (AA) has intercepted two motorboats from Bangladesh carrying a significant haul of cannabis and illicit medical supplies into Myanmar’s western Rakhine State, local sources and media reports confirmed.
The seizure took place on the afternoon of 24 April near the villages of Done Pike and Chein Khar Li in Rathedaung Township. Eleven Bangladeshi nationals, including one woman, were taken into custody during the operation.
According to local witnesses, the first vessel was apprehended after suffering an engine failure while anchored near the coast. “The first boat, carrying six men and one woman, broke down between Done Pike and Chein Khar Li at around 1:20 PM,” a ground source told MPA. “The second boat was captured about 40 minutes later when it arrived to rescue the crew from the disabled vessel.”
Photographic evidence confirmed the detention of the 11 individuals. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the shipment was intended for Sittwe, the state capital, which remains under the control of the military junta.
A detailed inventory of the seized goods, reported by Arakan Princess Media (APM), includes 23 packages of cannabis totalling 32kg, along with large quantities of contraceptive pills and dermatological ointments. Authorities also seized four mobile phones and 500 Bangladeshi Taka in cash.
The cargo included:
- 3kg cannabis packages (3)
- 2kg cannabis packages (3)
- 1kg cannabis packages (17)
- Two large bags of contraceptives and skin ointments.
The incident highlights the growing maritime administrative capabilities of the Arakan Army as it seeks to secure the coastal regions of Rakhine State following significant territorial gains against the military junta. The AA stated that the arrested individuals would be dealt with in accordance with the law for illegally entering its territorial waters.
The ongoing conflict in Rakhine has led to a surge in illicit cross-border trade as traditional supply chains collapse. For the Arakan Army, the establishment of a dedicated coast guard is seen as a strategic move to manage maritime security and curb the flow of narcotics and unregulated goods into the region.
As of Sunday evening, the suspects remain in AA custody. The military junta in Sittwe has not yet issued a response to the reports that the contraband was bound for the government-controlled city.
