COMPUTER MAPPING AIDS IN DRUG-BUSTING

Images From Satellites Show Routes, Networks

The Nakhon Ratchasima-based Suranaree task force is now using a
computer-based mapping program to help in drug suppression operations.

The Geographical Information System (GIS) helps in assessing the extent of
the drug networks and locating drug routes.

GIS is mapping software that links information about where things are with
information about what things are like. Unlike a one-dimensional paper map,
a GIS map can combine many layers of information.

Col Voranant Namwang, task force chief-of-staff, said it would be a
tremendous help in the war on drugs, as the information could be
consolidated for optimum drug-busting efficiency.

The task force covering army jurisdictions in the lower northeastern
provinces had set up a ''defeat drugs'' centre aimed at ending smuggling
across the borders with Laos and Cambodia.

The centre's help had led to the arrest of 176 drug suspects and seizure of
79,835 methamphetamine pills since the government declared its war on drugs
in February, he said.