In commemoration of World Drug Day, a series of events unfolded yesterday in Phuket, supervised by government authorities to fortify global standing against drug abuse. World Drug Day, also known as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a global observance brought to light by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, held every year on June 26, to spur action and collaboration towards a society free of substance misuse and raise drug awareness.

 

Phuket Government Center Auditorium served as the stage for one such event presided over by Anupap Rodkwan Yodrabam, Phuket Vice Governor. The drug awareness event, under the banner “Phuket Provincial Office joins Thai forces to stop drug threats with a declaration of intent and combine cleaning power,” cumulated in a mass pledge taken by officials, students, and public members alike under the theme, “Phuket United, Power of Thailand.” The vice governor read a speech prepared by caretaker Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha.

 

Following the pledge, participants moved to Suan Luang or King Rama IX Park for a ‘Big Cleaning Day,’ a park clean-up initiative to tackle litter. Undeterred, officials and law enforcement continued advocating and intervening in drug-related activities, as noted by Phuket’s Public Relations Department.

 

According to a departmental report, substances most frequently seized during arrests include methamphetamine, known locally as Yaba, followed by crystal meth or ‘ya ice,’ and cocaine. Among tourists, cocaine and alprazolam, commonly taken in combination with marijuana, were the drugs most often encountered. This information reinforces the importance of drug awareness campaigns and education.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo Courtesy of PR Phuket

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-initiates-anti-drug-events-amid-rising-e-cigarette-concerns

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-27

 

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Let us start with a daily drug test of all taxi drivers. If they faIl, ban for a life time.

Ban alcohol would be a good start.