Bangkok drug raids target 237 locations in Ladprao area
Police executed the seventh phase of the Clip the Wings of Drug Dealers operation in Bangkok, targeting 237 locations, with a primary focus on the Ladprao area. This effort kicked off early this morning, aiming to tackle drug-related issues in the community.
At 5am today, July 25, Tinakorn Rangmat, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, alongside Udomchai Lohanut, Director of the Bangkok Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), and Attapol Anusit, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, initiated the operation. The team deployed drug enforcement units to raid and search 237 targeted communities under the Clip the Wings of Drug Dealers initiative to curb drug proliferation.
Tinakorn disclosed that the operation stemmed from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive, which declared drug problems as a national priority needing a tangible resolution within one year. The operation’s objectives include apprehending drug dealers within communities, investigating and dismantling higher-level drug networks, and targeting drug dens and gathering spots.
Additionally, the operation aims to identify and offer voluntary rehabilitation to drug users and individuals suffering from drug-induced psychiatric conditions, thereby striving for drug-free communities. This initiative began on July 21.
The operation involved personnel from various units, including the Metropolitan Police Divisions 1-9, the Patrol and Special Operations Division, the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Bangkok ONCB, and the Ladprao District Health Office. In total, 200 officers participated in this large-scale crackdown.
Dr Sunthorn Sunthornchat, Director of the Bangkok Health Office, and Udomchai Lohanut visited the Pracharuamjai 1 community in Chatuchak District to oversee the process of integrating drug users into treatment programs. The initial step involves patient assessment by trained professionals, followed by referral to appropriate healthcare facilities based on the severity of their conditions.
Drug raids
Those with psychiatric issues are directed to hospitals under the Department of Mental Health for further treatment. Subsequent steps include rehabilitation and ongoing support for welfare and employment opportunities.
During the visit, officials offered encouragement to psychiatric patients and drug users entering rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of support from family and the community. They highlighted the crucial role of community acceptance and support in the recovery process.
Officials from the ONCB and partnering agencies plan to hold a press conference to report on the outcomes of the treatment and rehabilitation efforts, as well as the results of the raids and searches in the targeted communities. The seventh phase of the Clip the Wings of Drug Dealers operation is part of a collaborative effort to combat drug issues following the 90-day accelerated drug problem resolution policy, reported KhaoSod.
The goal is to transform communities into safe zones and reinforce public confidence that the government is committed to addressing drug-related problems for the benefit of its citizens.
