Thai Police Launch Major Crackdown On Drugs

[ryladie99]

Metropolitan Police Bureau: 4,244 arrested for drug-related crimes during New Year: 640,000 amphetamine pills, 10 kg of ice, and 30 kg of cannabis seized /MCOT

Wow?? how much damage will impact the people who hook to Amphetamine pills?? Cannabis is alright in my opinion ( I do not smoke ) but, many people around my area are using cannabis. However, the worst drug already proven damage is prescription drug. Statistic already came out in America. But, in Thailand Amphetamine is still new I hope the Thais know how dangerous this drug can do to a person. I am standing tall.

[SICHONSTEVE]

OK so wonder how much has made it throught the check points, probably 4-5 times the amount seized.

Thaksin had the right idea, now smugglers know it is a open market.

So you think that the killing of 2,275 people (many reported by human rights critics to have been extrajudicially executed) in January 2003 with nearly half (1,400) of those said to have no link to or involvement in drugs was the right idea!!!! I wonder how many of these killings can be attributed to Thaksin's brainless and irresponsible decision to punish those government officials that failed to meet their provincial arrest and seizure targets by "blacklisting" them whilst rewarding those that either met or exceeded their quota target. Don't get me wrong, I find peddling drugs abhorrent as it is responsible for much of the crime involvement in Thailand whilst ruining so many people's (and that of their families) lives. I am not against drug "crackdowns" as such or the meting out of harsh justice for those that get caught dealing drugs - but it should not be set against the backdrop of targets (clearly asking for trouble) or be carried out in such a gung ho fashion by the "trigger happy" Thai police whereby so many innocents will mistakenly pay for it with their lives simply as a consequence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time (as was the case 7 years ago this week).

It is just stupid to make such sweeping statements as this - I suppose you were one of those idiots that said to your mates "why don't they just drop a nuclear bomb on Ireland" at the height of the sectarian problems prolonged by a minority of bigots incidentally, that were clearly unwilling to see sense and intent on violence in order to resolve the situation that claimed (unnecessarily so) many innocent lives (ring a bell does it)?? I suppose that was right as well!!!

[Hili]

Well, purpose was served, we're talking about it now. Then it's business as usual...Oh and BTW, it says nothing about cocaine. How come the most expensive ones never got busted? What a joke

First theres not that much floating around compared to European countries. Its not really a drug for the mass more for the HISO and foreigners in BKK many Thais even dont know about cocaine. But what i really wounder why that freaking crystal, ice or whatsoever is nearly same price per g or even more expensive than coke in LOS....

[coma]

As others have said they just arrest the small fish, most of us know who the real suppliers are. hpocritical crack down as usual.

Small fish have big mouths.

[coma]

And not one suspect seriously injured or killed. How times have changed since the middle of the last decade.

You do realize that the numbers you refer to included ALL violent crimes at the time, don't you? What you are delighted by is selective reporting. You can be assured that there will be violence as the local gangs will soon jockey for position and settle scores with those that snitched. There is always a latency before the violence is evident. If you think there will not be a settling of accounts as the "crackdown" continues, you are mistaken. Thailand's drug dealer behaviour follows the same pattern as it does in Brixton, Compton, or Mexico City.

I don't recall "refering" to any "numbers" in my post. Strange one that.

[alexth]

And not one suspect seriously injured or killed. How times have changed since the middle of the last decade.

You do realize that the numbers you refer to included ALL violent crimes at the time, don't you? What you are delighted by is selective reporting. You can be assured that there will be violence as the local gangs will soon jockey for position and settle scores with those that snitched. There is always a latency before the violence is evident. If you think there will not be a settling of accounts as the "crackdown" continues, you are mistaken. Thailand's drug dealer behaviour follows the same pattern as it does in Brixton, Compton, or Mexico City.

I don't recall "refering" to any "numbers" in my post. Strange one that.

What you're missing is the point that the local mafia are none else than the cops. Dealers with bad behavior or small sales had to catch a bullet for the team. SOMEONE has to get arrested, it might as well be Nong Lek than Pee Yai.

[mark2552]

Hmmmm! The police must be running very low on their own supplies! It could be to that the local mafia supplies many be running low on their own supplies and may wholesale them to the mofia who in turn will send their dogs

out on the street again to sell them at retail again...Just a theory!

[bdenner]

TW told me yesterday afternoon that they raided our local Wat and arrested 2 monks also drug tested and arrested our Puya Baan (Village Head Man) plus others. I'm located near A. Ban Dung, P. Udon Thani.

Which Wat would that be? Or which moo baan?

If you really need this info send me a PM explaining. Dunno who is monitoring this forum.

[coma]

News Desk

The Nation (Thailand)

Publication Date : 24-12-2010

Bangkok police Thursday (December 23) made multiple arrests and seized a large volume of narcotics in several simultaneous raids, as the government gave one month's time to crack down on drug traffickers.

Some 696 people were arrested as part of raids in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon and Thon Buri areas, while another 439 people were netted in 58 raids in Pathum Thani. Many of the suspects were blacklisted by both police and anti-narcotics agencies.

The raids targeted mostly slums and communities inhabited by low-income earners. A large number of handguns, an M-16 assault rifle, machetes and other arms, many stolen motorcycles and other illegal items were also confiscated.

Among the key suspects arrested were Surachai Tohuapa and Usa Sawang-arom, who were caught in possession of 30,000 amphetamine tablets and 4 kilograms of "ice" flakes, as well as Suthep Bunkrajang and Amor Thanoosa, who were arrested in separate raids. Many of the suspects are also wanted for other crimes ranging from murder and rape to trivial offences.

The government gave the police one month, starting from Thursday, to crack down on the drug trade in Thailand, under strict orders that extra judicial measures only be used if the suspects resist arrest or are violent.

The interior ministry has launched an anti-narcotics operation to tackle drug abuse during the festive season, by mobilising more policemen, conducting extra searches and setting up checkpoints at main roads across the country to control the transport of drugs.

Police and military officers along the border area have also been alerted to watch out for drug smugglers, said Chachoensao provincial governor Suraphol Phongthadsirikul, who is leading the ministry's operation.

Meanwhile, betting shops in many provinces have been temporarily closed down after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva vowed to tackle the problem after he received reports that many Internet cafes in Thailand were showing live broadcasts of casinos in Cambodia's Poi Pet to encourage gambling.

Around 30 shops in Ubon Thani have closed, especially those that have a sticker reading "T-G-TK" - a signal that they have the police in their pay list.

The stickers have reportedly been removed to cut down the chances of them becoming targets allegedly at the suggestion of local police.

Many shops in Chaiyaphum have also closed down, while most Internet cafes are being strict with their closing hours.

A source in Khon Kaen said there were more than 80 Internet cafes still broadcasting live shows of gambling in Cambodian casinos.

Abhisit said the cyber crime laws would be enforced carefully so it does not violate privacy or civil rights of innocent operators or the general public.

[SICHONSTEVE]

OK so wonder how much has made it throught the check points, probably 4-5 times the amount seized.

Thaksin had the right idea, now smugglers know it is a open market.

So you think that the killing of 2,275 people (many reported by human rights critics to have been extrajudicially executed) in January 2003 with nearly half (1,400) of those said to have no link to or involvement in drugs was the right idea!!!! I wonder how many of these killings can be attributed to Thaksin's brainless and irresponsible decision to punish those government officials that failed to meet their provincial arrest and seizure targets by "blacklisting" them whilst rewarding those that either met or exceeded their quota target. Don't get me wrong, I find peddling drugs abhorrent as it is responsible for much of the crime involvement in Thailand whilst ruining so many people's (and that of their families) lives. I am not against drug "crackdowns" as such or the meting out of harsh justice for those that get caught dealing drugs - but it should not be set against the backdrop of targets (clearly asking for trouble) or be carried out in such a gung ho fashion by the "trigger happy" Thai police whereby so many innocents will mistakenly pay for it with their lives simply as a consequence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time (as was the case 7 years ago this week).

It is just stupid to make such sweeping statements as this - I suppose you were one of those idiots that said to your mates "why don't they just drop a nuclear bomb on Ireland" at the height of the sectarian problems prolonged by a minority of bigots incidentally, that were clearly unwilling to see sense and intent on violence in order to resolve the situation that claimed (unnecessarily so) many innocent lives (ring a bell does it)?? I suppose that was right as well!!!

Sorry!!! 8 years this week - the 'new year' threw me.

[OzMick]

As others have said they just arrest the small fish, most of us know who the real suppliers are. hpocritical crack down as usual.

"most of us know who the real suppliers are"

If you know who the real dealers are, do your civic duty and inform the police - they will accept anonymous tips.

[Tanaka]

TW told me yesterday afternoon that they raided our local Wat and arrested 2 monks also drug tested and arrested our Puya Baan (Village Head Man) plus others. I'm located near A. Ban Dung, P. Udon Thani.

Which Wat would that be? Or which moo baan?

If you really need this info send me a PM explaining. Dunno who is monitoring this forum.

What does it matter who is reading this? Why so clandestine? This is not classified information!

[BlueSmurf]

Why is everybody so cinical and non believing etc. And all that crap about small fish been taken only.

You have to start somewhere.

Just be glad something has been done.

I think it is good, any dealer, small or big who is stopped selling drugs to the children of this world is positive.

because we have seen it all before...Yes its a start but after you have been here a bit longer you may understand the comments....They are not negative comments but factual. Most of expats would like to see drugs out of the system and out of the way of our children but taking the small guys out does not stop the drugs being sold...Same shit next day.

[richieudon]

TW told me yesterday afternoon that they raided our local Wat and arrested 2 monks also drug tested and arrested our Puya Baan (Village Head Man) plus others. I'm located near A. Ban Dung, P. Udon Thani.

Which Wat would that be? Or which moo baan?

If you really need this info send me a PM explaining. Dunno who is monitoring this forum.

I don't really need it, just wanted some gossip as I'm in A. Ban Dung...

[coma]

Nothing about Chiang Mai?

How can black Africans openly deal drugs in the Nana area of Sukhumvit and escape detection? They stick out a mile - so I've heard!

This is true mikebell. One can only assume tea money is involved

If one is not so colour blind they will see that there are seedy characters from all walks of life openly dealing drugs in this area. Not just Africans.

[HardenedSoul]

First theres not that much floating around compared to European countries. Its not really a drug for the mass more for the HISO and foreigners in BKK many Thais even dont know about cocaine. But what i really wounder why that freaking crystal, ice or whatsoever is nearly same price per g or even more expensive than coke in LOS....

Because, with average use, a g of ice will last a week or two whilst a g of chang can be gone through in one or two days.

Wow! Even though I'd really like to believe this "crackdown", my feeling is that of all the drugs they confiscated, probably half will make it back to the dealers for cash to the BIB, and as for the cash they say they confiscated, I'd say that's probably only about half of what they really found. And the other half???? Hey, BIB have expensive lifestyles also, and have to maintain them.

Yeah, call me a cynic, but I've been here too long to really believe this crap. Besides, I've got a cop (Senior Sergeant) in the family, so I know what goes on.

OK. Your a cynic.

But he couldn't be more correct in his assertion.

I've been present when a squeeze of mine who is reasonably well-connected by virtue of an influential dad, makes a phone call and then "acquires" seized ice and chang - free of charge - from mid-level feds and narcos.

Edited January 7, 2011 by HardenedSoul

[webfact]

Update

21,000 arrested in Thai drugs crackdown: police

BANGKOK, January 7, 2011 (AFP) - Thai police said Friday that more than 21,000 suspected drug users or traffickers had been arrested in the first two weeks of a nationwide crackdown.

Police have conducted thousands of searches since December 21, after the government ordered action to tackle the problem.

The authorities seized 1.6 million methamphetamine pills -- known locally as yaba, or "crazy medicine" -- 40.4 kilograms (89 pounds) of heroine, 295 kilos of marijuana and 8.5 kilos of crystallised methamphetamine, or "ice".

Altogether the drugs have an estimated street value of 500 million baht (16.5 million dollars).

Thailand, along with other countries in the region, has seen a marked increase in seizures of methamphetamine as the world opiate trade declines.

Police said they had also seized 345 guns, 1,175 bullets and six grenades during the operation, which is due to last one month.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-01-07

[happysanook]

This is a war that can't be won. Criminals and addicts will only get more violent and desperate as the supply goes down and prices increase.

Random testing of civilians and then arresting them if their tests come back positive?

Edited January 7, 2011 by happysanook

[jrm222]

Why is everybody so cinical and non believing etc. And all that crap about small fish been taken only.

You have to start somewhere.

Just be glad something has been done.

I think it is good, any dealer, small or big who is stopped selling drugs to the children of this world is positive.

By enforcing prohibition, nothing good is the result...after 40 years of the drug war in America:

1. the quality of drugs has improved drastically

2. the availability of drugs has exploded

3. the prices of drugs have dropped

4. 60 % of all arrests are drug related

5. we have one of the highest per capita prison populations in the world, behind Russia

6. entire countries are destabilized by the corruption of officials

Tells me it doesn't work...and is a terrible waste of resources. How long did the prohibition of alcohol last, only until the mobs became very rich.

[fma]

OK so wonder how much has made it throught the check points, probably 4-5 times the amount seized.

Thaksin had the right idea, now smugglers know it is a open market.

So you think that the killing of 2,275 people (many reported by human rights critics to have been extrajudicially executed) in January 2003 with nearly half (1,400) of those said to have no link to or involvement in drugs was the right idea!!!! I wonder how many of these killings can be attributed to Thaksin's brainless and irresponsible decision to punish those government officials that failed to meet their provincial arrest and seizure targets by "blacklisting" them whilst rewarding those that either met or exceeded their quota target. Don't get me wrong, I find peddling drugs abhorrent as it is responsible for much of the crime involvement in Thailand whilst ruining so many people's (and that of their families) lives. I am not against drug "crackdowns" as such or the meting out of harsh justice for those that get caught dealing drugs - but it should not be set against the backdrop of targets (clearly asking for trouble) or be carried out in such a gung ho fashion by the "trigger happy" Thai police whereby so many innocents will mistakenly pay for it with their lives simply as a consequence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time (as was the case 7 years ago this week).

It is just stupid to make such sweeping statements as this - I suppose you were one of those idiots that said to your mates "why don't they just drop a nuclear bomb on Ireland" at the height of the sectarian problems prolonged by a minority of bigots incidentally, that were clearly unwilling to see sense and intent on violence in order to resolve the situation that claimed (unnecessarily so) many innocent lives (ring a bell does it)?? I suppose that was right as well!!!

Sorry!!! 8 years this week - the 'new year' threw me.

I am so sick ant tired of this finger pointing to Thaksin. Get the excellent judicial system in Thailand to make a case!!! It should not be too hard, considering that everybody and his mother who has any influence in this country at the moment hates his guts. Get on with it!

It has already been 4+ years so I would not hold my breath. Think about it and point some fingers towards the people in charge since 2006.

On another note: Is it not wonderful that this successful crackdown has been carried put without any reporting of injuries, deaths etc- 21000 arrested???

- man, it helps to have the support of a toothless press (aka The 4th estate in other countries).

In any case - I support any crackdown, but would have preferred a competent police force, able of upholding the law continuously.

Maybe if they were paid decently they would attract some decent people? Just a thought.

[alexth]

Why is everybody so cinical and non believing etc. And all that crap about small fish been taken only.

You have to start somewhere.

Just be glad something has been done.

I think it is good, any dealer, small or big who is stopped selling drugs to the children of this world is positive.

By enforcing prohibition, nothing good is the result...after 40 years of the drug war in America:

1. the quality of drugs has improved drastically

2. the availability of drugs has exploded

3. the prices of drugs have dropped

4. 60 % of all arrests are drug related

5. we have one of the highest per capita prison populations in the world, behind Russia

6. entire countries are destabilized by the corruption of officials

Tells me it doesn't work...and is a terrible waste of resources. How long did the prohibition of alcohol last, only until the mobs became very rich.

Finally someone that makes sense. The right thing to do (which is never going to happen anywhere in the world) would be to use all these resources in rehabilitation centers, drug awareness programs and stuff like that. But because the people who rule this world can keep people addicted on something (be it drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc.) and their colonels and lieutenants can make a lot of money on it, none of this is gonna happen. EVER. You can control people and make money on it too, sounds like the best deal to me.

As for Thailand, well, they have bigger issues than drugs. Things like social security, education, transportation, keeping the investors in the country and so on.

I might be wrong, but these are my humble opinions on the matter.

[jantrevor]

Out of the 4,244 arrested in the headlines, only 149 of them were arrested in the first article and 1,135 quoted as being arrested in the second article. What happened to the other 3,000+ ? A little hyperbole here.

[MAJIC]

Metropolitan Police Bureau: 4,244 arrested for drug-related crimes during New Year: 640,000 amphetamine pills, 10 kg of ice, and 30 kg of cannabis seized /MCOT

Wow?? how much damage will impact the people who hook to Amphetamine pills?? Cannabis is alright in my opinion ( I do not smoke ) but, many people around my area are using cannabis. However, the worst drug already proven damage is prescription drug. Statistic already came out in America. But, in Thailand Amphetamine is still new I hope the Thais know how dangerous this drug can do to a person. I am standing tall.

A common misconception.

Cannabis can cause Scizophrenia,Paranoia,Depression, Deprivation of drive and lack of interest in life,

among many other less serious side effects.

Look it up!

[marc651]

Metropolitan Police Bureau: 4,244 arrested for drug-related crimes during New Year: 640,000 amphetamine pills, 10 kg of ice, and 30 kg of cannabis seized /MCOT

Wow?? how much damage will impact the people who hook to Amphetamine pills?? Cannabis is alright in my opinion ( I do not smoke ) but, many people around my area are using cannabis. However, the worst drug already proven damage is prescription drug. Statistic already came out in America. But, in Thailand Amphetamine is still new I hope the Thais know how dangerous this drug can do to a person. I am standing tall.

A common misconception.

Cannabis can cause Scizophrenia,Paranoia,Depression, Deprivation of drive and lack of interest in life,

among many other less serious side effects.

Look it up!

Although this argument is a bit off topic I would like to comment as well:

The unlucky 0.5% of the population who is diagnosed as schizophrenic started showing signs of the disorder one day, mostly in early adulthood. Cannabis can "activate" it, but it is not the "cause"of the disorder... If not cannabis use, some other event would propably have triggered it anyway. (if it truly caused schhizophrenia, imagine the number of patients that would have emerged since the 60's)

As for paranoia, sure, while under the influence, espcially unexperienced users can become paranoid, until the effect wears out. Depression, well we could argue the opposite would be more often true, cannabis being a better antidepressant than many commercial antidepressants.

People having severe problems with cannabis are usually people with problems in the first place, who start using cannabis.

For adult, healthy individuals, cannabis IMO is pretty harmless certainly less dangerous than alcohol.

Your suggestion to "look it up" doesnt bring us much further either, since there is so much biased information from both pro and contra sides

[diehard60]

And not one suspect seriously injured or killed. How times have changed since the middle of the last decade.

Not that much really, they still arrest the small time dealers, those who pay are usually protected. I know what you are saying they are not mass murdering them now at least for the time being. Maybe the budget does not allow for more bullets.

Well think about this:Thay maybe out of bullets because of the amount they used last May and have not restocker their shelves yet.

[asiawatcher]

Why is everybody so cinical and non believing etc. And all that crap about small fish been taken only.

You have to start somewhere.

Just be glad something has been done.

I think it is good, any dealer, small or big who is stopped selling drugs to the children of this world is positive.

Couldn't agree more. I'm as cynical as the next man when it comes to the BiB but at least on the face of it it looks like something positive is happening. As a father of two young boys here this drugs lark is my biggest concern as they grow up.

You should be thankful you are not bringing them up in the US!

[norwayeagle]

First theres not that much floating around compared to European countries. Its not really a drug for the mass more for the HISO and foreigners in BKK many Thais even dont know about cocaine. But what i really wounder why that freaking crystal, ice or whatsoever is nearly same price per g or even more expensive than coke in LOS....

Because, with average use, a g of ice will last a week or two whilst a g of chang can be gone through in one or two days.

Wow! Even though I'd really like to believe this "crackdown", my feeling is that of all the drugs they confiscated, probably half will make it back to the dealers for cash to the BIB, and as for the cash they say they confiscated, I'd say that's probably only about half of what they really found. And the other half???? Hey, BIB have expensive lifestyles also, and have to maintain them.

Yeah, call me a cynic, but I've been here too long to really believe this crap. Besides, I've got a cop (Senior Sergeant) in the family, so I know what goes on.

OK. Your a cynic.

But he couldn't be more correct in his assertion.

I've been present when a squeeze of mine who is reasonably well-connected by virtue of an influential dad, makes a phone call and then "acquires" seized ice and chang - free of charge - from mid-level feds and narcos.

This is how it's done ,so,what to do about it?( it seems to work smoothly as i see it!..

[carenot]

who cares really?? the drugs crackdowns, drug debates have been done to death and your never going to stop it , supply and demand i'm afraid , so why not let those who want to use use and spend the money wasted on these pointless crackdowns on helping those that screwup on the drugs

[Thunderbird4ever]

If you ve seen the effect on humans and their families that have been exposed to this this and any drug dealer in the category supplier or manufacturer should get the death sentence without any fuzz. Send out a strong message.

Run big TV ad campaigns, put up big posters along main roads and in border district cities with are cracking down on this. Check points with sniffer dogs. Do drug testing on the biggest venues like Hollywood and similar ones in Bangkok. Encorage people to snitch and report if the know something and then get a reward. The police should make an informant program. In general the police should do a better job.

Whats happening now is the jails are just filling up with drug dealers. In the long run it is ten times more expensive to build new jails and deal with inmates than to do preventive police and government work.

[fullcave]

Still going to have to house and feed them all and from what I understand the jails are already over crowded.

And not one suspect seriously injured or killed. How times have changed since the middle of the last decade.

Not that much really, they still arrest the small time dealers, those who pay are usually protected. I know what you are saying they are not mass murdering them now at least for the time being. Maybe the budget does not allow for more bullets.