In Thalang District, officials set up a nighttime checkpoint on Soi Pasak 8 in Cherng Talay on Tuesday night (Feb 3), screening motorists and pedestrians between 7pm and 8.30pm as part of a province-wide campaign to suppress drug-related offences and other illegal activity.
The operation was carried out by officers from the Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor), police, community leaders and local security volunteers.
Officials reported that searches of individuals and vehicles found no illegal items. However, random urine tests detected drug use in 19 people. Of those, 17 agreed to enter treatment programmes, while two repeat offenders were arrested for driving under the influence of methamphetamine, a Category 1 narcotic.
A similar operation was launched in Kathu District the following day, with authorities screening suspected drug users in Nanai Rd, Patong, at about 3pm Wednesday (Feb 4). Officers from the Kathu District Volunteer Defence Corps also took part.
Nine people – six men and three women – tested positive for drugs during urine screenings. All nine signed consent forms and were referred for treatment at Patong Hospital.
Kathu District officials said investigations will now be expanded under the “one user per one dealer” policy, with the aim of identifying drug dealers linked to those found using drugs and targeting larger trafficking networks.
Authorities said similar operations will continue across Phuket as part of the ongoing campaign to curb drug abuse and strengthen public safety.