The drug sweep was carried out at about 8am by Tourist Police in coordination with multiple agencies following heightened safety concerns in the wake of a recent speedboat collision with a fishing trawler that left a 17-year-old Russian girl dead and many others injured.
The operation was led by Pol Lt Col Ekachai Siri, Superintendent of Tourist Police Station 1, Division 2, Tourist Police Bureau 3, together with Pol Lt Col Chanarong Rodthongdee and investigation officers from the Tourist Police, supported by the Karon Task Force.
Integrated teams from the Narcotics Suppression Police, Phuket Marine Police, Phuket Marine Department and Chalong Police Station joined the inspections, which focused on boat drivers, crew members of public service vessels and other at-risk groups connected to the tourism transport sector operating out of Chalong Pier.
A total of 87 individuals were randomly selected for urine drug testing during the operation. Officials confirmed that 81 people tested negative, while six returned positive results.
Authorities said all six individuals who tested positive will be processed in accordance with legal procedures.
Tourist Police explained that the inspections were conducted in line with policies set by Pol Lt Gen Saksira Puek-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Setthasak Yimcharoen, Commander of Tourist Police Bureau 3, aimed at tightening safety standards for marine tourism services.
Officials noted that the drug screening campaign is part of ongoing measures to enhance safety in maritime transport, particularly at busy tourist piers, and to reinforce confidence among visitors travelling by sea in Phuket.
Further inspections and enforcement actions are expected to continue as authorities maintain closer oversight of boat operators and crew involved in tourist services across the province.