Pubdate: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 Source: Pattaya Mail (Thailand) Copyright: 2005Pattaya Mail. Contact: http://www.pattayamail.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2970 VILLAGE HEADMEN DISCUSS WAYS TO FIGHT GROWING DRUG MENACE Also talk about ways to reduce Songkran casualties A meeting chaired by Banglamung District Chief Worawit Saisupatphol on April 4 at Wat Khaomaikaew discussed the drug situation in the villages throughout the district, and ways to protect against the spread of narcotics. The meeting, which was the fourth to be held this year for village headmen and senior officials, also discussed ways of cutting down on accidents during the Songkran festival. Most of the problems stemmed from the transfer of drugs from the border, which is releasing a high quantity of drugs into the market, the meeting was told. The number of agents was increased after the national anti-drugs project was announced. This has increased the distribution price, and it's easier for pushers to earn more money. Furthermore, most consumers are teenagers. They are gathering in apartments and rented rooms, making it difficult for police searches and arrests. Therefore the leaders of villages and kamnans should advise villagers to be on the lookout for drug dealers and users, and to immediately notify officers when cases are found. During the Songkran festival, traffic is always congested because people drive back to their hometowns or come into the district area for a holiday. All of this increases the amount of accidents to two or three times the usual level. Most accidents are caused from drunk driving, from not wearing a helmet, or going over the speed limit, or playing water games on the roads. The village leaders and kamnans were therefore asked to create support checkpoints in the community to help prevent accidents. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh