Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum officially launched ‘Operation 90 Days’ at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (July 7), bringing together police, military, administrative officials and other security agencies to coordinate an intensive crackdown running through to Sept 30.
According to policy statements, the operation is apparently following yet another Cabinet-approved national strategy, this one from July 1 to Sept 30, and “aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s policy to tackle drug-related crime through prevention, suppression, treatment and community participation”.
Speaking at the launch, Gov Chotinrin said Phuket had made drug suppression a provincial priority, of note a “priority” now for decades, with authorities “working together to target high-risk areas and eliminate both drug dealers and users from communities”.
"The goal is to resolve drug-related problems in villages and communities within three months so they can be declared drug-free," he said.
The governor said the campaign had already produced results, with three drug cases recorded in Mueang District before the official launch ceremony.
He stressed that authorities would not stop at making arrests, but would expand investigations to identify accomplices and dismantle wider trafficking networks by sharing intelligence with neighbouring provinces and security agencies.
Monthly reviews of the campaign will be carried out to assess progress and adjust enforcement strategies where necessary, he added.
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum said most drug offences on the island involve small-scale dealers, but police would continue targeting trafficking through the Tha Chatchai checkpoint, postal deliveries and attempts to smuggle drugs overseas.
He said investigators would pursue all parties involved in drug networks, while enforcement would also focus on serious drug offences, outstanding arrest warrants, conspiracy and money laundering cases, including asset seizures. Drug users and addicts would be referred for treatment programmes to reduce repeat offending.
Following the launch ceremony, Gov Chotinrin flagged off joint patrol vehicles as they departed to begin operations across the province.
Later the same day, Mueang District officials announced what they described as one of the campaign’s first arrests, this one at the sea gypsy village in Rawai.
A 20-year-old Thai man was arrested in an alley near a fruit shop in Moo 2 with 88 methamphetamine (ya bah) pills, a mobile phone and cash allegedly linked to drug sales.
The suspect was charged with possessing Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, using methamphetamine and participating in illegal online gambling before being handed over to Chalong Police for legal proceedings.