Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2001 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 DEALERS DON'T DESERVE PITY Thailand has moved ahead with its tough campaign against drugs. Last Wednesday, the Criminal Court sentenced 19 traffickers to death in cases involving more than two million methamphetamine pills and 9kg of heroin. The death sentences were reported by foreign news agencies and drew strong opposition from Amnesty International. Although condemned drug traffickers can appeal for clemency, their conviction should help deter people from entering the drug trade. People should be made to realise they put their lives on the line by selling drugs. Prior to Wednesday's sentencing, there were reports the army was considering setting up "killer teams" to hunt and eliminate influential drug producers and traders. The reports caused an uproar among people opposed to such violent methods. They say it is a violation of human rights. But we must realise that drugs are a threat to the country. In Malaysia and Singapore, drug traffickers are dealt with harshly. The death penalty is in place and it serves to deter potential drug traffickers. Drugs are like a weapon. People who possess drugs are in possession of a lethal weapon. That's why they deserve the death penalty. People engaged in the drug trade may be likened to the "scum of the earth". They are monsters in the guise of humans, and should be dealt with harshly. Drug suppression agencies should do what is necessary to help the drug problem. But, at the same time, they must ensure that innocent people are not wrongly punished. Editorial from Naew Na - --- MAP posted-by: Beth