As travel opens, Phuket officials gather to fight drug problem

Now that Thailand’s travel restrictions are easing, Phuket officials are on guard for an expected increase in demands for illegal drugs. This morning, a group of officials held a meeting at Phuket City Hall to discuss drug issues in the island province. The meeting was led by a director from the Region 8 Drug Enforcement Administration. Officials from other government agencies also attended.

The officials noted that drug users and sellers consistently communicate with email, social media, and LINE, a chat app popular in Thailand. They also noted that parcels of narcotics sent to Phuket are usually hidden in coastal areas such as mangrove forests and fish cages. The officials said more intensive searches in these areas are needed.

In addition, they said that more cooperation between the government and related networks is needed to monitor drug routes by land and water. The…