Residents report a surge in gambling dens and drug proliferation, coupled with a complete breakdown of law and order, in Muse, a town on the China-Myanmar border controlled by the military junta in northern Shan State.
The town has become a hub for gambling houses and KTV lounges, with drug use on the rise, leading to daily incidents of robbery and theft, according to local accounts.
“There are three gambling dens in the town, right near the old football field. Besides gambling, they’re selling and using drugs. Some go there to gamble, others just to use drugs. This is happening right in the town center, and there are more around the outskirts,” said a young local resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Gambling dens in Muse operate fish-shooting machines, video game consoles, and other types of games, while also selling drugs, which has fueled a rise in theft and robbery, locals say.
“Theft and robbery happen almost every day. It just doesn’t make the news. The main issue is the gambling dens. As more people use drugs, it leads to stealing and robbing,” said another resident, expressing concern for their safety.
Crime is particularly rampant near the Sin Phyu Gate, a key China-Myanmar trading gate, where locals report frequent incidents.
“The area around Sin Phyu Gate has the most crime—phone snatching, gambling, drug users stealing and pawning things. It’s the worst there,” said a resident living near the gate.
Muse hosts no fewer than 30 KTVs, bars, and clubs, with local militias and authorities allegedly involved. Security is reportedly provided by militia groups.
“Just past the China-Myanmar border gate, it’s all gambling dens. They operate by relying on the militias and pay ‘protection fees’ weekly or monthly. They pay specific amounts to township police, district police, township administrators, district administrators, other departments, intelligence units, members of the Bureau of Special Investigation, members of the Military Security Affairs, and surveillance police,” said an anonymous male resident.
Gambling dens are not limited to the nine wards of Muse but also operate in suburban areas like Ho Nar, Set Hmu, Kaung Hmu Lwei, Man Wein, and Khu Wein, offering fish-shooting machines and other gambling setups, according to local reports.
Sent by Shan News.
