A joint youth operation in Muse township has seized at least six Chinese trucks illegally transporting silica rock into China, according to a local news source.

Sai Awn, a resident of the Toongmao region, said that the seized trucks were illegally transporting silica rock from Loi Mauk and Pan Kar villages in Namkham township. They were passing through Jaylant sub-district in Muse township before entering China. Four heavy trucks, one tractor and one Pajero car were seized at the Mao (Shweli) river checkpoint.

“Two heavy trucks and one Pajero car were seized at about 10:30 on May 2. The other four trucks were seized on May 3 by a joint operation of youth in Muse and Namkham, SNLD members and SNDP members,” said Sai Awn. “They just took pictures of the drivers and then let them go.”

According to Sai Tun Hliang, general secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy in Namkham township, local residents gathered in Jaylant sub-district on May 2 and set up a team to protect local natural resources and oppose silica mining in the region.

“There were about 50 people at the meeting, including environmental protection groups and SNLD and SNDP committees in Jaylant and Muse township. After the meeting, we all went to the Mao river and found the illegal trucks carrying silica rock. So we seized them and informed the local authorities,” said Sai Tun Hliang.

According to a local resident, there are at least seven mining companies operating illegally in Muse and Namkham township.