He carried out a one-way correspondence with US presidents, offering to sell Washington the entire crop of opium in exchange for funds to implement his development plans for the Shan.
But in 1989, he was indicted for heroin trafficking by the US District Court in New York and his extradition to the United States was requested.
Khun Sa continued to war with the central government and rival ethnic guerrilla groups like the Wa until 1996 when the junta, which had once threatened to hang him, offered him amnesty. He disbanded his Mong Tai Army of about 10,000 fighters and moved to Rangoon.
Although difficult to confirm, reports said he lived a life of luxury in a secluded compound, having been awarded concessions to operate a transport company and a ruby mine along with other businesses.
There was speculation that he was still involved in the narcotics trade, which was largely taken over by his former enemies, the Wa.
« previous 1 | 2 |
COMMENTS (0)