The situation was discussed at the 7th meeting of the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Control Center (PPSC) for fiscal year 2025, held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (June 23).
The meeting was chaired by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Akkrawat Sirithanthanakorn, and attended by representatives from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 8, the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office and other relevant agencies.
According to the latest data, drug cases in Phuket continue to increase in all three districts on the island.
Between October 2024 and May 2025, authorities handled 1,899 drug cases, a 10.66% increase compared to the same period the previous year, said an official report of the meeting.
Although the number of cases in May showed a month-on-month decrease of 14.10%, officials said the overall trend remains upward.
The most commonly found drugs in Phuket are methamphetamine (ya bah), crystal methamphetamine (ya ice), cocaine and heroin.
Methamphetamine remains the most widely used due to its low cost and easy access. Ice is more frequently used among higher-income groups, while cocaine is mainly found in tourist areas and among foreigners. Heroin continues to be present in some user groups, the report noted.
Mueang Phuket District recorded the highest number of drug arrests with 917 cases, followed by Thalang District with 672 cases and Kathu District with 310 cases.
An assessment using the NISPA system found that 20 villages in Mueang Phuket District are classified as ‘red zones’, indicating both drug use and active dealing.
Thalang District has five red-zone villages, while Kathu has no red zones but still reports users in six villages.
Officials noted that drug prices are generally higher in popular tourism areas, and that the relationship between users and dealers often influences the final price.
The Phuket Provincial Narcotics Control Board emphasised the need for integrated measures covering prevention, suppression, treatment and community involvement.
Authorities are also preparing activities to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse on Thursday (June 26), aiming to raise public awareness across all sectors, the official report concluded.