The son of a former Myanmar government minister was among three men arrested at Naypyidaw International Airport yesterday for illegal possession of firearms and drugs.
Police arrested ACE Group chairman Phyo Ko Ko Tint San and two of his employees before they boarded a Yangon-bound flight operated by Myanmar National Airlines on Sunday afternoon. Phyo Ko Ko Tint San is the son of Tint Hsan, a member of the Union Solidarity and Development Party who served as hotels and tourism minister from 2010 to 2012 and as sports minister from 2010 to 2016 under president Thein Sein.
Before the group boarded flight, an X-ray machine revealed 12 yaba tablets, 1.5 grams of crystal meth, two pistols, and 72 bullets in Phyo Ko Ko Tint San’s luggage.
Police said the men were arrested because they were not licensed to carry guns. They were reportedly carrying the guns for self-defense, and police do not believe the case is linked to terrorism.
After the men were arrested, police searched Phyo Ko Ko Tin San’s room at the ACE Hotel in Naypyitaw and found another five pistols and 804 bullets, the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed. An additional nine pistols and 892 bullets were found in the room of one of the ACE Group employees who accompanied the chairman.
Phyo Ko Ko Tint San, 41, is a trained physician and runs the ACE Group, which is owned by his father Tint Hsan. The company is known for having built the parliament complex in Naypyitaw.
He also owns the Naypyidaw Football Club, which was removed from the Myanmar National League in September after it withheld wages from its players and staff for almost five months.
In the 2012 by-elections, Phyo Ko Ko Tint San ran as a USDP candidate for the Lower House seat representing Myaungmya, Ayeyawady Region. He was defeated by National League for Democracy candidate Mahn Johnny, who now serves as chief minister of Ayeyawady Region.
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