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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth