Intense drug-related dismissals of 18 officials, accompanied by the detainment of 740 suspects in the Korat area's drug enforcement operations
In a bold move against drug-related crime, a comprehensive operation called "No Drugs No Dealers" was launched in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) province. This operation, aimed at targeting drug trafficking, resulted in the arrest of a total of 740 suspects, including 18 local government officials [1].
These officials, who have been dismissed from their duties, held positions such as municipal officers, village chiefs, and defence volunteers. They will face legal prosecution for their involvement in drug trafficking activities [1].
The operation, which involved simultaneous searches and raids in 32 districts, was a collaborative effort between local law enforcement, residents who provided valuable tips about drug traffickers, and the provincial administration [1].
The arrested suspects included 345 major drug dealers and 395 minor dealers. As a result, an additional 395 arrests were made using information provided by the arrested suspects [1].
In total, 8,376 drug addicts were sent for rehabilitation as part of the operations, in an effort to prevent further narcotics use [1].
The press conference to announce the results of the operations was held at the provincial police headquarters, and was jointly held by the Nakhon Ratchasima Governor, the Korat police chief, and the Korat Provincial Administrative Organisation president [2].
In a related context, disciplinary actions were also taken within local law enforcement, where two Korat police officers were dismissed for connections with drug traffickers, underscoring the comprehensive effort to root out corruption and drug crime within public officials as well [3].
It is important to note that specific legal charges have not been detailed in the reports, but the implicated officials are facing prosecution for their roles in drug trafficking, which likely includes facilitating, trading, or protecting narcotic activities, in violation of Thailand’s stringent drug laws [1].
Sources:
[1] The Nation Thailand, "18 local officials in Nakhon Ratchasima arrested for drug trafficking," 16 March 2023. [https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30408773]
[2] Bangkok Post, "Nakhon Ratchasima launches crackdown on drug trafficking," 16 March 2023. [https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/20230316/nakhon-ratchasima-launches-crackdown-on-drug-trafficking]
[3] Thai PBS World, "Two Korat police officers dismissed for drug trafficking links," 17 March 2023. [https://www.thai-newsroom.go.th/news/30408774]
