NORTHEAST
ANUCHA CHAROENPO
NONG KHAI : A new crackdown on drugs is under way in the Northeast where there has been a sharp increase in trafficking.
This includes setting up checkpoints on main roads and bus terminals in every northeastern province, river and land border patrols, and searches of premises suspected of being used by dealers.
Officials from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the 4th Region Police Bureau, the Second Army and the Interior Ministry are involved.
''I am very worried about the drug situation in the Northeast, especially in Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces,'' ONCB secretary-general Krissana Pholanant said.
The three provinces have a long river border with Laos, and drug smugglers take full advantage these natural highways into the country.
About 200,000 methamphetamine pills and 2,000 kilogrammes of marijuana have been seized in the region over the past two months.
Traffickers had switched to bringing drugs into the country through the Northeast from Laos over the past two years because strict suppression along the border in the North had made it dangerous to operate there, he said.
The smugglers were no longer local villagers hired as drug couriers, but professional drug traffickers escorted by armed guards.
He warned drug officials to be alert in case of an attack by these armed gangsters during search operations.
Pol Lt-Gen Krissana was also concerned smugglers might use the new train service linking Laos and Nong Khai.
The first passenger service from Thanaleng station in Vientiane to Nong Khai station is tentatively scheduled to start on Oct 23.
The ONCB chief also wants people living in the area, especially along the Mekong river, to tell authorities if they know of drug smuggling in their areas.
Nong Khai governor Jadet Musikawong said Thai and Lao officials have been sharing information on the drugs situation for some years.
''The two countries understand the drugs situation and are committed to fighting the problem together,'' said Mr Jadet.
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