DNA to be collected from prisoners to help fight drug gangs, Justice official says
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Justice Ministry permanent secretary Pol Col Dusadee Arayawuth has instructed officials to collect DNA samples of inmates to compare with SIM cards and cell-phones seized in jails in three southernmost provinces, in a bid to arrest members of gangs dealing in drugs outside.

Following a meeting yesterday with the Department of Special Investigation, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Office of Narcotics Control Board, the Corrections Department and related agencies, Dusadee said that officials had collected DNA samples from 1,724 mobile phones and 711 SIM cards seized since last October.

They also checked on the cell phones' International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers and phone use records. The latter suggested contacts to members of gangs dealing in drugs.

To further prevent drug dealing |from behind bars, the ministry came |up with the idea to collect DNA samples from jail officials and 30,000 inmates who will be released each year, he said.

He said the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's requirement for all SIM cards to be registered in April, would help the authorities to arrest people involved in drug trafficking.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/DNA-to-be-collected-from-prisoners-to-help-fight-d-30256612.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-24

Let's hope they don't use dirty and cheap testing methods, often used when herd blood testing.

Such as using the same needle to test many people. Or using dirty hands and no gloves.

This idea could be a disaster in the making, if not carried cautiously .

I am reminded tit.

If this is legal, (and safe) - then its a good idea.