Political trouble, economic woes blamed for increase in illegal trade
By Subin Kheunkaew
Ongoing political strife and a struggling economy have boosted the trade in illegal drugs along the northern borders, police said. The increase in drug smuggling has hit an alarming level as authorities have only a limited capacity to deal with the problem, according to police.
A source close to drug dealers in the North said the narcotics market is bustling as unfavourable economic conditions, particularly inflation, have driven a number of new sellers into the illegal business since early this year.
These sellers dare to risk smuggling drugs as many authorities are reluctant to resort to harsh measures, according to one officer.
''If we work well, nothing happens, but if we make mistakes, we may face immediate transfers,'' said a police officer in Chiang Rai.
He admitted the drug trade is on the increase and police are finding it difficult to cope. Worse, there are no clear policies from the government on the issue. This has resulted in leniency on the part of police, with fewer checkpoints, he said.
''So it comes as no surprise to see more drug arrests in Ayutthaya and Bangkok,'' he said.
The source said this would not have happened if police had tightened anti-drug operations along border provinces in the North. Drugs are usually smuggled from neighbouring countries into northern Thailand before being transported along routes to the Central Plains and the capital.
A major drug-producing area is occupied by the Wa ethnic group in Burma. The pro-Burmese junta United Wa State Army is accused of being a major supplier under drugs kingpin Wei Sia Kang.
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board's northern branch said the Wa resumed drug production at its plants in Muang Yon, opposite Ban San Tonku in Chiang Mai's Mae Ai district, several months ago, cashing in on the unpleasant political and economic situation in Thailand to smuggle more narcotics into the country.
''When Muang Yon becomes the hub of drug production, Chiang Mai will surely encounter heavier drug trafficking,'' said office director Janya Sramatcha.
Methamphetamine, or ya ba, has become the most popular drug among traders. It can fetch between 50 and 80 baht per pill at a border market near Chiang Mai, said a source.
Mr Janya is aware of the increase of new traders in the drug market and is worried about the passive stance of police officers. Yet he tries to ensure that his subordinates stick to their duties.
''We cannot totally blame this on politics. We must go on doing our duty,'' he said.
Mr Janya suggested police commanders occasionally visit their subordinates to boost their morale, and the army send soldiers to help police officers.
As for budget restraints on the drug crackdown, the Justice Ministry is considering ways to deal with the problem, said Mr Janya, who expressed optimism that ''there would be good news soon''.
Police in the Northeast appear to be more eager to tackle the problem. They have tightened inspections on 10 checkpoints and set up 61 more to make sure they cover main and minor roads.
Provincial Police Region 3 commander Pol Maj-Gen Amnuay Mahapol said Khemarat district, which borders Laos in Ubon Ratchathani province, is now under close police watch. The area is reportedly one of the main channels for smuggling drugs into Thailand.
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