Thai authority:DNA of inmates, hilltribe would disclose drug trafficking networks

BANGKOK, November 14 (TNA) - Thailand's Central Institute of Forensic Science, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, says that DNA samples collected from inmates of drug cases and hilltribe can lead to more information on wanted drug trafficking networks. The institute's director-general, Dr. Pornthip Rojanasunand, told journalists of the information on Friday, elaborating that DNA samples of those imprisoned for drug cases and hilltribe people will not only help authorities to obtain more information on drug trafficking networks, but also simultaneously assist them in drug suppression. Admitting that it is difficult to collect DNA samples from every prisoner due to a large number of them, Dr. Pornthip stated that the DNA collection plan will start from inmates of drug cases who first walk into prisons nationwide. Dr. Pornthip revealed that her institute, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, will also launch a pilot project on hilltribe nationality verification in Mae Ai District of Chiang Mai Province in the Thai North from December 17–19. According to the senior official, the nationality verification of hilltribe will be first conducted on 300 children plus their parents, as there are still more than 1,000 hilltribe people left awaiting the official nationality verification process. The senior official explained that majority of hilltribe people live along the border and many of them are believed to have involved in cross-border drug trafficking; so, the nationality verification process will help officials monitor them to stay away from narcotics, as well as deforestation and corruption. (TNA)