THAILAND NARCOTICS SWEEP

Nearly 900 people from the Thai civil service, armed forces and police
have been placed on a narcotics blacklist that will be turned over to
investigators. The blacklist is part of a government effort to halt
the spread of drug-dealing among state employees.

A Narcotics Control Board officer said the names of 871 state
officials suspected of involvement in drugs would be handed over to
police once further information was gathered.

Thailand's efforts to eradicate narcotics trafficking are frequently
praised by the international community but most of those apprehended
are minor dealers.

Thai anti-narcotics officials say that arresting the kingpins is
extremely difficult since many are powerful politicians, businessmen
and military officers.