Pubdate: Sat, 05 Jun 2004
Source: Chiangmai Mail (Thailand)
Copyright: 2004 Chiangmai Mail
Contact:  http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3105
Author: Saksit Meesubkwang

DRUG RUNNING INCREASES IN WET SEASON

Commander of the 3rd Army Region Warns Three Northern Provinces

Lt. Gen. Picharnmeth Muangmanee, commander of the 3rd Third Army believes 
that the incidence of drug running across the borders will increase for the 
next few months. He said the drug traders, who are more experienced with 
the routes and able to travel by foot along the hillsides to smuggle in the 
narcotics, are favoured by the seasonal weather.

Commander Phicharnmeth said Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son 
provinces must be closely watched, as they are the provinces which are 
connected to the neighboring countries that are making drug deliveries. 
These three provinces are mountainous and cannot be traversed with 
vehicular transport. Even using helicopters for surveillance is difficult 
with the thick undergrowth and they are forced to use foot patrols.

Neighboring countries Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and China also have 
concerns over drugs. However, the best way is if everyone in the nation 
alerts state officials when they have evidence of drug transactions taking 
place.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager