Govt: No Extrajudicial Killings in Drug Crackdown

[Admin]

Govt: No Extrajudicial Killings in Drug Crackdown
Tan Network 2011-09-20

An outspoken deputy prime minister overlooking national security announced that the government is planning to intensify its efforts to suppress narcotic rings.

The issue of how to best address narcotics trafficking in the country was raised at the Senate meeting yesterday.

The Senate recognized that the drug problem is a critical one, as Thailand has become a drug dissemination hub and a main route for drug transport, especially along the borders.

Despite the fact that the government has made the issue a national agenda, the suppression and preventive measures in place have not adequately resolved the issue.

The Senate also questioned the government's policies with regards to supporting drug rehabilitation centers and drug suppression measures in prisons.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, who is in charge of the government's narcotics suppression initiatives, gave his assurances in response to concerns expressed by the United Nations in which they stated that they fear that the government's anti-drug campaign could lead to human rights violations or to extra-judicial killings by police.

Chalerm has reaffirmed that he would maintain Thailand's credibility in the international stage and vowed that there will not be any extrajudicial killing in this government's war on drugs.

He lashed out, saying that there were no extrajudicial killing of drug suspects during the terms of the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's, administration as has been claimed.

Chalerm stated that tackling the drug problem will require integration and cooperation among six ministries and 20 departments.

In addition, he will work with the Anti-Money Laundering Office and Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission Office in seizing drug offender's belongings.

He pointed out that narcotics eradication efforts will only succeed when there is a decrease in both demand and supply.

If necessary, borders will be closed in order to suppress drug trafficking.

Chalerm promised that the campaign against narcotics will strictly adhere to the rule of law.

He said that officers who abuse their power will certainly face suspension and could be fired.