Thailand destroys over 20 tonnes of drugs

By VNA June 27, 2024 | 03:00 pm PT

The Thai government on Wednesday announced that the country has burned more than 20 tonnes of confiscated narcotic drugs worth 6.45 billion THB (175 million USD) to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that the destroyed illicit drugs, seized from 41,800 cases and primarily consisting of methamphetamine, were part of the Southeast Asian country's comprehensive strategy, encompassing prevention, suppression, and rehabilitation measures.

The minister said that the government has recognized the devastating impact of drug abuse and has placed its eradication at the forefront of the national agenda.

He emphasized collaboration among all sectors to tackle drug-related issues and public health officials will continue to provide effective treatment and rehabilitation services for people with an addiction, as well as help dismantle drug networks to foster a drug-free environment.

According to the ministry, the operation marked the second large-scale drug destruction exercise in the fiscal year 2024, following the massive 340-tonne incineration in December 2023.