Pubdate: Sat, 16 Oct 2004
Source: Chiangmai Mail (Thailand)
Copyright: 2004 Chiangmai Mail
Contact:  http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3105

COMMUNITIES ENLISTED TO CRACK DOWN ON DRUGS

X-Rays to Be Used

The new Chiang Rai provincial governor has ordered X-ray machines to be 
installed to be used for drug searches, and wants community leaders, kamnan 
and village headmen to play a greater part.

Governor Veerakiart Somsoy said after he had outlined government policy to 
the community leaders in Mae Chan and Mae Sai districts, that Chiang Rai 
had stepped up measures throughout the province to track down drug addicts 
and dealers.

Strict measures will be enforced to suppress drug ringleaders and their 
networks of traffickers by working in cooperation with volunteers in the 
communities, including kamnan and village headmen. X-ray surveillance has 
been installed in the villages.

Veerakiart added that using the X-Ray measure in the province is 
implementation of government policy. The approach involving the community 
is expected to lead to greater efficiency and success.

The Tambon Administration Organization has also allocated money for the 
prevention and suppression of drugs at grassroots level.
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