BT6 BN-WORTH OF 'YA BA', OTHER DRUGS UP IN SMOKE

The government burned more than 2,600 kg of narcotics worth nearly Bt6
billion in Ayutthaya yesterday.

The 31st incineration of captured narcotics at the centre for public
service administration and the environment, Bang Pa In industrial
Estate, marked world anti-narcotics day today.

Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said the narcotics, obtained
from 1,166 drug busts, weighed 2,659 kg and were worth Bt5.9.
Methamphetamines led the pack by far - at 2,066 kg or 22 million
tablets, valued at Bt5.7 billion. Heroin, opium, cocaine, ecstasy and
cannabis, among other drugs, were also torched.

According to Sudarat, there are currently 22 tons of captured
narcotics (amphetamines and heroin) held by the Food And Drug
Administration awaiting court proceedings.

"More than 35 tons of narcotics, including 19 tons of amphetamines, or
hundreds of millions of tablets valued at about Bt36 billion, were
destroyed under this administration. The remaining 22 tons are
scheduled for destruction by year's end to avoid overwhelming the
storage facility," she said.

Sudarat said the health ministry played its role by regulating the
distribution of base substances for narcotics production, by treating
400,000 addicts against a targeted 250,000 in 2003 and through the
destruction of narcotics.

She said that the number of addicted children who go back to drugs
after treatment has fallen. But children are becoming addicted to glue
and other solvents in increasing numbers. The prime minister has
called for a harsh crackdown on sales of solvents to young persons.