EVIDENCE GOES UP IN FLAMES

1.5 tonnes of seized drugs incinerated

More than 1.5 tonnes of drugs used as evidence in convictions were
destroyed by high-temperature incineration at the Bang Pa-in
industrial estate in Ayutthaya yesterday.

Chalermchai Chumuang, deputy permanent secretary for public health, in
charge of the burn, said the drugs were evidence from 1,949 finalised
cases.

They included 1,187kg of methamphetamines, 250kg of heroin, 107kg of
opium, 4.6kg of ecstasy, 3.2kg of cocaine, 2.3 kg of codeine, 932gm of
cannabis, 390gm of methadone and 132gm of psychotropics.

Another 19 tonnes being stored by the Food and Drug Administration
will be destroyed once the associated court cases have been completed.

Dr Chalermchai expressed his grave concern at the spread of drugs
among the young.

"We have to come to terms with drug situation in Thai society,
especially the problem of addicts unwilling to undergo treatment," he
said. According to the ministry's latest report, 72,876 addicts have
volunteered to undergo rehabilitation at treatment centres nationwide.

Pol Lt-Gen Komkrich Patpongpanich, chief of the Narcotics Suppression
Bureau, said authorities faced a difficult task in dealing with large
Thai syndicates with connections to the Burma-based United Wa State
Army.

The USWA is said to produce nearly all the speed pills consumed in
Thailand.