Phuket prepares three-month anti-drug campaign

Phuket officials are preparing a three-month campaign against drugs covering October to December 2026, with a focus on trafficking networks, high-risk areas, drug users and closer coordination between agencies.

The plan was discussed at a meeting of the Phuket Provincial Working Group on Narcotics Prevention and Suppression at Phuket Provincial Hall on 24 September. Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam chaired the meeting after being assigned by Governor Chotinarin Koetsom.

Representatives from the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Center, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 8, police, security agencies, district offices, public health agencies and other government bodies attended.

The campaign will combine prevention, enforcement and treatment. Agencies will investigate and arrest members of drug-trafficking networks and work to dismantle those networks. Officials will also identify and screen drug users, refer them to treatment and rehabilitation programmes, and follow up with them to reduce the risk of relapse.

A shared database will be created using information collected by participating agencies. Each agency has been instructed to report on the drug situation in its area, as well as its operations, results, problems, obstacles and recommendations. The database is intended to support joint planning, coordination and monitoring of the campaign.

The plan follows Phuket's Operation 90 Days, conducted from 1 July to 16 August. Figures released by Phuket authorities recorded 376 drug cases involving 397 suspects during that period. Authorities reported seizing 130,470 methamphetamine pills, 7,490.53 grammes of crystal meth, 0.57 grammes of heroin, 3.08 grammes of cocaine, 12.21 grammes of ketamine and 250 alprazolam tablets.

Assets worth B3.69 million were also seized or confiscated, according to the authorities. The working group called for continued monitoring and progress reports as the new campaign proceeds.