Arrests follow tough drug policy response

In Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district, police and soldiers arrested Weera Kunjaethong and allegedly found 80,000 amphetamine tablets in his possession in a stakeout over the weekend. Polioce said the tablets were in 40 packets ready for transport to the South. Police claimed the suspect admitted to being paid Bt350,000 to courier the tablets in each run.

Police said they had obtained evidence against an agent found involved with Weera, whom they identified merely as Huang, and seized a truck based in Phichit owned by this man.

The seizure was showcased at a press conference presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and acting police chief Pol General Priewpan Damapong. Chalerm said seizures of drugassets had amounted to around Bt100 million since the Yingluck government took power.

In Bangkok, Din Daeng police searched the home of a couple and allegedly found drugs and a handgun in a raid, which failed turn up a muchwanted suspect in a slum in Ratchathewi district. The couple, Chaiwat Jatuthipphoosin and Natthawadee Srijakkhote, admitted to possessing the drugs with intent to sell.

Chaiwat is a repeat offender and recently served a sentence, police said while Natthawadee admitted to using the drugs but denied helping him deal drugs. Police dismissed the excuse, citing a large amount of cash circulating in and out of her bank account. Chaiwat later confessed to buying ice flakes at Bt1,500 per gram from an agent known as Moo based in Rangsit area, and selling it to teenage users in Huay Khwang area for Bt1,700 a gram.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri yesterday received thanks from the Central Islamic Council of Thailand, over the ministry's antidrug policy and rehabilitation programme, using religious bonding to attract young drug users. The methods used are based on sport, recreational activities, and skill training, apart from faith in Islam.