TESTS FIND 13 OFFICIALS TO BE USERS

Thirteen officials in Mae Fa Luang district have tested positive for drugs
and will have to quit or face serious punishment.

About 360 officials, soldiers and local people took part in a recent
oath-taking ceremony at Doi Tung development project site, Mae Fa Luang.

Among them were Chiang Rai governor Narin Panichkij, provincial police
chief Pol Maj-Gen Wut Withitanont, Provincial Administration Organisation
president Nukul Winitwalai and Mae Fa Luang district chief Chainarong
Boonwiwattanakarn.

After the ceremony, everyone was tested for drugs and 13 officials tested
positive for opium and methamphetamines.

A source said the provincial governor agreed to consider allowing local
leaders to carry guns to tackle drugs.

More than 920 of the 1,629 drug addicts thought to be in Mae Fa Luang had
applied for drug rehabilitation and 62 drug dealers had surrendered.

M.R. Disanadda Disakul, director of Doi Tung development project, backed
the government's crusade against drugs. He said serious crackdowns were
necessary but must not affect any innocent people.

Occupational training such as the handicraft training in place for Shan,
Chinese Hor and hilltribe people on Doi Tung, and Thailand's efforts to
help Burma's Yawn town would help, he said.

Meanwhile, provincial and district authorities have come up with lists of
39,000 major drug traffickers and producers in their areas, Interior
Minister Wan Muhamad Nor Matha said.

The number was expected to be higher, and the names would be checked.

Since the government's war on drugs began this week, almost 2,000 suspects
have been arrested. Around 7,000 people have offered to surrender.

Mr Wan Nor said officials and local leaders must wash their hands of drugs
by Feb 15 or face the toughest measures.