Pubdate: Sat, 19 Jun 2004
Source: Chiangmai Mail (Thailand)
Copyright: 2004 Chiangmai Mail
Contact:  http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3105

NO MORE DRUGS THROUGH THE MAIL SAYS POST OFFICE

Sniffer Dogs With Postman's Hats on the Job

The Mae Sai post office in Chiang Rai is clamping down on the practice
of smuggling drugs through the mail.

Paiboon Sakyaphinant, head of the post office in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai
district, says they have stepped up measures to prevent the practice.
Clients who send parcels must pack them at the post office in the
presence of post office officials. Senders of parcels that are packed
and sealed beforehand will have to produce their ID cards for a record
to be kept.

Post office officials have also asked for the cooperation of the local
police together with sniffer dogs to help search for drugs hidden in
postal items.

In another measure to stop drug smuggling, Mae Sai police will set up
checkpoints on the main roads as well as in front of the border pass,
to check on both pedestrians and cars crossing the border. They will
work in cooperation with soldiers of the Pha Muang Task Force, Border
Patrol Police, and Immigration Police. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake