Supersized drug busts force new storage facility

Supersized drug busts force new storage facility

Confiscated narcotics get a final check by soldiers and officials from the Food and Drug Administration ahead of their scheduled incineration at Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate in Ayutthaya this Monday. Some 9,100kg of drugs will be disposed of, including 7,886kg of speed pills and 1,185kg of crystal meth. (Photo and video by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Confiscated narcotics get a final check by soldiers and officials from the Food and Drug Administration ahead of their scheduled incineration at Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate in Ayutthaya this Monday. Some 9,100kg of drugs will be disposed of, including 7,886kg of speed pills and 1,185kg of crystal meth. (Photo and video by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Reflecting the success of recent drug raids, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expects to have a new storehouse for seized narcotics within three months as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged all Thais to help the government stamp out drug trafficking.

The new facility, which can store up to 110 tonnes, is needed as authorities are confiscating more drugs than they can dispose of quickly, according to the FDA, the only agency that oversees the storage of seized contraband narcotics.

FDA secretary-general Wanchai Sattayawuthipong said on Friday the new facility will have double the capacity of the current storehouse.

He was speaking ahead of the scheduled incineration of seized drugs this coming Monday at Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate in Ayutthaya. The date coincides with the UN's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Some 6,546 drug cases have resulted in the confiscation of 9,100 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, mostly methamphetamine pills, which will all be burned, police said.

Dr Wanchai said officials are considering new ways to accelerate the drug-disposal process to clear more warehouse space.

The management of confiscated drugs is becoming a pressing concern as the government steps up its efforts to crack down on drug traffickers and mules. The prime minister has also diverted more personnel to chase transnational drug-trafficking gangs.

"During the remaining term of this government, I expect to see even better results in terms of drug prevention and suppression," Gen Prayut said. He was presiding over a ceremony to award 216 people including monks and celebrities who have helped campaign for solutions to the country's chronic drug problems.

The recipients, including Buddhist monk Phra Maha Vutthichai Wachiramatee and actress Phichakkhana "Namtan" Wongsarattanasin, were hailed as contributors to the state-led campaign. Gen Prayut said he wants to see "all 70 million Thai people" help out with important issues, including drug problems.

He said state officials cannot get the job done by themselves. He also stressed that any anti-drug operations must be carried out to ensure the safety of officials and the public.

The operations can involve physical fights so the Office of the Narcotic Control Board should ensure authorities are trained to deal with a range of life-threatening situations, he said.

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