Deputy PM orders to monitor narcotics during FIFA World Cup

BANGKOK, June 19 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has given an order to all internal security departments to closely monitor narcotics activities during FIFA World Cup 2018. Spokesman for the Ministry of Defence Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantravanich revealed that Gen Prawit had commended internal security forces, in particular the Royal Thai Police, in their recent successes in combating narcotics throughout the country which has resulted in major busts on large syndicates. This is indicated by the fact that only 15 days into June after the official effort was sanctioned more than 50 million methamphetamine pills and nearly 1,000 kg of crystal methamphetamine or ice have been seized. Narcotics trafficking remains a major problem said the spokesman as indicated by the recent major busts in the northern provinces of Lampang and Chiang Rai and the northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen and Bueng Kan and Bangkok and Ayutthaya in the central plains. The spokesman said Gen Prawit also gave all security personnel moral support and wanted them to keep up what they were doing and coordinate their efforts for the benefit of the public. The Deputy PM was especially concerned that syndicates might use FIFA World Cup 2018 as an opportunity to bring in more drugs into the country. Lt Gen Khongcheeb added that Gen Prawit wanted security forces to coordinate closely with drug enforcement agencies and pay close attention to Thailand's border where the drugs are brought in and stored before distribution. (TNA)