Pubdate: Sat, 26 Jun 2004 Source: Nation, The (Thailand) Copyright: 2004 Nation Multimedia Group Contact: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1963 BT6 BN-WORTH OF 'YA BA', OTHER DRUGS UP IN SMOKE The government burned more than 2,600 kg of narcotics worth nearly Bt6 billion in Ayutthaya yesterday. The 31st incineration of captured narcotics at the centre for public service administration and the environment, Bang Pa In industrial Estate, marked world anti-narcotics day today. Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said the narcotics, obtained from 1,166 drug busts, weighed 2,659 kg and were worth Bt5.9. Methamphetamines led the pack by far - at 2,066 kg or 22 million tablets, valued at Bt5.7 billion. Heroin, opium, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis, among other drugs, were also torched. According to Sudarat, there are currently 22 tons of captured narcotics (amphetamines and heroin) held by the Food And Drug Administration awaiting court proceedings. "More than 35 tons of narcotics, including 19 tons of amphetamines, or hundreds of millions of tablets valued at about Bt36 billion, were destroyed under this administration. The remaining 22 tons are scheduled for destruction by year's end to avoid overwhelming the storage facility," she said. Sudarat said the health ministry played its role by regulating the distribution of base substances for narcotics production, by treating 400,000 addicts against a targeted 250,000 in 2003 and through the destruction of narcotics. She said that the number of addicted children who go back to drugs after treatment has fallen. But children are becoming addicted to glue and other solvents in increasing numbers. The prime minister has called for a harsh crackdown on sales of solvents to young persons. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin