URBAN AREAS BECOME PRIORITY TARGETS IN ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN

Narcotic operations are moving from the border regions to urban areas
of the northern region.

The change in focus began on October 4 and will continue until
December, Kamol Taiyapirom, director of the coordination division of
Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Northern Region, announced.

Kamol Taiyapirom, director of the coordination division of the Office
of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Northern Region.

"Urban areas have become hiding places for some drug dealers and
target areas, triggering a greater spread of drug use among students
and in schools," said Kamol. By comparison, border areas have become
less profitable for drug trafficking because of constant suppression
of soldiers and police.

The quantity of drugs smuggled into the kingdom across Myanmar border
has also decreased. Instead, dealers are turning to transfer drugs
through Laos and across the northeast Thai border and Tak province in
the west.

"Suppression in rural areas for which the Ministry of Interior has
been responsible has proved to be effective," said Kamol.