ANNUAL INCINERATION

15 Tonnes Of Illegal Drugs Worth B10bn Destroyed

AYUTTHAYA : Armed police commandos were deployed to secure the
destruction of 15 tonnes of drugs worth over 10 billion baht
yesterday. The drugs were incinerated to mark the International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, in Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate.

They served as evidence in 2,915 cases which had been decided by the
courts, and were kept at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
warehouses in the province.

Among the illicit drugs were 32 million methamphetamine pills,
weighing around three tonnes.

Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab presided over the 36th annual
ritual to destroy illegal drugs stockpiles. Another 18 tonnes of
drugs are still being stored at the FDA warehouses pending court proceedings.

Mr Chaiya said the number of illicit drugs seized had doubled from
last year, but gave no figure. The country has 200,000 drug addicts,
of whom 60,000 were treated last year, he said.

In Trang, over 1,000 students and residents took part in a march
along four routes in the municipality to promote the government's
anti-drugs campaign.

Trang governor Anond Manasvanich then led an oath-swearing ceremony
where the youngsters pledged to stay clear of drugs.