NAMES OF PUSHERS GO TO POLICE

A list of nearly 500 suspected drug dealers in the North has been passed to
police for action by PM's Office Minister Jurin Laksanavisit.

Mr Jurin, who oversees the Narcotics Control Board, said authorities
expected to arrest at least 60% of the 489 people on the list, including
330 major dealers from 26 networks, within three months.

To date, police have arrested 50 of 202 suspects in the Northeast, 20 of
100 in Bangkok, and 50 of 305 in the South, Mr Jurin said. They were also
after 350 in the Central Region. He urged police in the North to also do
their best.

"The national anti-drugs operation centre has formed special task forces
and given them clear assignments," he said.

"Operations in the North will be co-ordinated by the Third Army, by the
Second Army in the Northeast, by the Internal Security Operations Command
in the Central Region, and by the police in the South," he said.

The minister voiced concern over the rising number of state officials found
to be involved in the drugs trade.

A total of 234 officials had already been fired over drug offences, 141
were facing disciplinary inquiries and 658 others were being investigated,
he said.