Of 553 targeted cannabis outlets across the province, 115 have been inspected so far, representing 20.8% of the total. The inspections are being carried out by the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office in coordination with administrative officials, provincial police and other relevant agencies. Authorities said checks will continue to ensure compliance with regulations.
The update was delivered during the fourth meeting of the Phuket Provincial Anti-Drug Centre Committee for fiscal year 2026, held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Feb 27) and chaired by Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administration Officer) Rungruang Thimabut.
Heads of government departments, representatives from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 8, district officials and related agencies attended the meeting to review prevention, suppression and rehabilitation measures, along with the latest enforcement results.
The meeting also highlighted drug suppression efforts at Phuket International Airport. In February, one suspect was arrested for smuggling 3.1kg of cocaine, while five individuals were arrested in connection with the attempted smuggling of 102kg of marijuana.
Province-wide data show that during the first four months of fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 to January 2026), a total of 1,156 drug-related cases were recorded ‒ an increase of 298 cases, or 34.73%, compared with the same period last year.
The most prevalent drugs in Phuket remain methamphetamine (ya bah), crystal meth (ya ice), cocaine and heroin, in that order. The most common charges were for drug consumption, followed by possession, distribution, possession for consumption and possession for trade.
Between Oct 1, 2025 and Feb 24, 2026, Phuket Provincial Police set a target of 1,511 cases for action and had processed 636 cases, achieving 42.09% of the annual goal.
Arrests under outstanding warrants reached 29 cases out of a target of 43 (67.44%). For conspiracy and aiding and abetting drug offences, 28 cases were processed from a target of 34 (82.35%).
In relation to money laundering linked to drug offences, three cases were processed against a target of one case, or 300% of the annual goal. Authorities also seized B22,461,451 in assets in drug-related cases, representing 56.15% of the B40 million target for the year.
On the rehabilitation front, the province has set a target of 1,245 individuals to undergo drug treatment during fiscal year 2026. As of Feb 26, 349 people had entered rehabilitation programmes, accounting for 28.03% of the annual target.
Mr Rungruang stressed the need for continued integrated cooperation among all sectors in prevention, suppression and rehabilitation efforts. He also emphasised that all entertainment venues must remain free from prostitution, firearms and narcotics, warning that any violations would be dealt with decisively under the law.
While acknowledging that drug use cannot be completely eradicated, he said coordinated enforcement would help reduce the scale of the problem and strengthen public safety across the province.