Thailand Intensifies Drug War With Massive Meth Seizures

BANGKOK, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Thailand has seized over 33 million methamphetamine pills and 1.3 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine in a series of nationwide crackdowns earlier this month.

In a statement, Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) said the Royal Thai Police carried out coordinated operations between Oct 9 and 20, resulting in 10 major cases involving 16 suspects.

“Several assets belonging to the suspects were also confiscated and are currently under further investigation,” the statement read.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, said the crackdown formed part of the government’s key policy to tackle social threats, particularly the narcotics trade, which he described as a major threat to national security.

“The government stands ready to fully support all law enforcement officers — the police, the ONCB, the military, and administrative authorities — to perform their duties to the fullest.

“We will protect honest officials and strengthen all dimensions of drug suppression, including enhancing international cooperation,” he told a press conference at the Royal Thai Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau headquarters on Tuesday.

The prime minister commended officers for their dedication in combating narcotics.

Meanwhile, Anutin also directed the Royal Thai Police to also target online scam networks under the anti-drug campaign.

“The government will not allow illegal activities to undermine national security. Anyone who continues to violate the law will be arrested and prosecuted without exception,” he said, adding that illegal activities threatening national security will be prosecuted without exception.

-- BERNAMA