War on drugs upgraded to 'national priority': DPM

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has declared the fight against narcotics a national priority, urging collaboration across all sectors to combat the drug crisis.

- POST REPORTERS

Mr Phumtham, who is currently serving as the acting prime minister, and his delegation arrived yesterday at Wing 41 in Chiang Mai to commence the government's new anti-drug campaign, “No Drugs, No Dealers: Toward Zero Drugs Thailand” before heading to Provincial Police Region 5 (PPR5) to attend a press conference about its crackdowns on drugs.

PPR5 deputy commander Pol Maj Gen Thanarat Chumsawat reported on drug suppression efforts between Oct 1, 2024, and this Monday, saying that authorities seized over 222 million methamphetamine pills, 11,462kg of crystal methamphetamine, 1,842kg of ketamine, nearly 200kg of heroin and 155kg of opium.