Wei Hsueh-kang
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Wei Hsueh-kang (Chinese: 魏学刚; pinyin: Wèi Xuégāng, also known as Prasit Cheewinnitipanya or Charnchai Cheevinnitipanya, born May 29, 1952, Yunnan, China)[1] is an infamous drug kingpin currently operating as the Southern Commander of the United Wa State Army.
Wei was believed to be closely associated with notorious drug baron Khun Sa during the height of opium production in the Golden Triangle, and remains wanted by the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs for drug offenses committed within the United States, which is offering a $2 million reward for information leading to his capture. He is currently believed to be in Myanmar, probably within UWSA controlled territory.
Wei was granted Thai citizenship in 1985 but was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Thai Government in 1988,[2] but jumped bail–and his Thai nationality was later revoked by the government in 2001.[3][4]
Originally a member of Khun Sa’s Mong Tai Army (MTA), he was one of the original founders of the UWSA in the late 1980s following the factional division of the old Communist Party of Myanmar (CPB).
Recent reports suggest that Wei Hsueh Kang has downsized his involvement in drug trafficking, partly in response to his ‘wanted’ status by the US. However, his continued affiliation with the UWSA brings unique experience and expertise in drug production and trafficking, and reinforces doubts about the extent of their commitment to stamping out the trade.
