Pubdate: Sat, 03 Mar 2001
Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2001
Contact:  http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/
Author: Aphaluck Bhatiasevi

TOUGHER LAW SOUGHT FOR DRUG DEALERS

Sudarat Wants Study On Cheap Speed Pills

Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan wants tougher penalties for 
methamphetamine dealers and amendments to speed up the justice process.

She said a proposal will be put to a national seminar on drug control in 
Chiang Rai on March 10-11.

Mrs Sudarat said the Food and Drug Administration has run out of storage 
space for drugs being held as evidence in court cases.

Health authorities would also discuss plans for greater community 
participation in the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

Mrs Sudarat also said suggestions that methamphetamine traffickers could be 
put out of business by letting the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation 
(GPO) make low-cost speed should be looked into.

"We're not saying whether it would work or not, but we should study all 
suggestions. Studying the matter does not mean we will take up the idea," 
she said.

There was concern that making cheap speed available would only result in 
greater abuse of the drug, she said.

Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said he would use the same 
strategy which proved successful in fighting communism to combat drugs.

Gen Chavalit said the 66/23 policy was successful in getting communist 
insurgents and members of the united front out of the jungle, resulting in 
the end of the communist movement in Thailand.

The same strategy could be used to separate drug addicts from producers and 
traders.

Addicts would be regarded as patients, not convicts, and be sent to 
military camps for treatment and rehabilitation.

Thirty camps had been assigned for the task by Supreme Commander Gen Sampao 
Chusri.

At the same time, drastic action would be taken against drug traders and 
producers.

The Internal Security Operations Command, which has been restructured to 
combat drugs, would be charged with implementing the policy.

Laws would also be amended to provide for heavier penalties on drug dealers 
and producers.
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