Thai police tell ride-hailing services to beware drug deliveries

 

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai police on Friday warned drivers working for ride-hailing and delivery services to beware of customers smuggling drugs, the police said, as the government considers guidelines for regulating the services.

 

In a recent case, a driver was detained after picking up a passenger in possession of drugs and a firearm, Police Major Suriya Singhakamol said, adding the driver could be punished under the law.

 

The warnings could play a role in the government’s decision on restrictions and regulations as it moves to legalise the ride-hailing services in Thailand.

 

Ride-sharing services currently exist in a legal grey area, with police routinely stopping and fining drivers because they are not properly registered.

 

Singapore-based Grab offers rides in cars and on motorcycles, while its rival Get, a unit of Indonesia’s Go-Jek, only offers motorcycle rides.

 

Both companies also operate delivery services.

 

“Drug dealers are increasingly using delivery services to send contraband. If an individual is found to be connected, either as a courier or receiver, they will be punishable,” deputy secretary-general of the Narcotics Control Board, Suriya said.

 

In July, Grab held a workshop with the Thai police to train drivers in identifying suspicious parcels.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-09-13

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So these “delivery men” cannot use the local taxis for the same thing? Seems like taking a taxi would be safer since taking an Uber driver every thing ( map & destination) is recorded on the driver’s App. 

Police and grey areas go together like a horse and carriage; this I tell you, brother; you can't have one without the other.

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Drug dealers are increasingly using delivery services to send contraband. If an individual is found to be connected, either as a courier or receiver, they will be punishable,” deputy secretary-general of the Narcotics Control Board, Suriya said.

Does that included the national postal service..?

2 hours ago, toenail said:

So these “delivery men” cannot use the local taxis for the same thing? Seems like taking a taxi would be safer since taking an Uber driver every thing ( map & destination) is recorded on the driver’s App. 

Would you trust a local taxi with your package?