Chiang Mai intensifies surveillance against drugs

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, September 1 (TNA) - Thailand's northern Chiang Mai Province has stepped up surveillance against drug smuggling along its border even though provincial drug trafficking cases have dropped. Beefing up reporters on drug trafficking prevention and suppression in the province for the 2015 fiscal year, Chiang Mai Governor Suriya Prasartbandit said on Tuesday that his province has stressed on the move in line with the government's policy. The governor acknowledged although narcotic trafficking cases in Chiang Mai have dropped due to the stricter implementation of anti-drug measures by all concerned parties, including local police and the military, as well as cooperation with neighbouring countries, alert needs to be maintained. The governor pointed out that areas at risk in Chiang Mai are those along the border, including Fang, Mae Ai, Chaiprakarn, Chiang Dao and Wiang Hang. According to official statistics, 6,593 drug suspects have been nabbed in the 2015 fiscal year, from October 1, 2014 to September 2015, with methamphetamine pills mostly seized at 7.07 millions, followed by 58 kilogrammes of ice meth, 12 kilogrammes of opium and others, namely heroine, inhalants and marijuana. Besides, local police have seized assets of 43 drugs-related syndicates, totally worth about 83.75 million baht. (TNA)