20 test positive for meth in surprise Phuket drug screening

Thalang district officials uncovered a disturbing 20 cases of methamphetamine (meth) use during a surprise drug screening operation in Pa Khlok.

The operation on Wednesday, April 23, part of a wider crackdown on drug abuse, involved a special operations team from the Thalang district administration, village headmen, public health volunteers, and Thalang Police.

“Officers set up checkpoints in three key villages—Village 1, 6, and 9—targeting random urine screenings,” said a report from Thalang officials.

Out of 120 people tested, 20 were found to have meth in their system. Shockingly, all 20 suspects admitted to using the drug and agreed to enter voluntary treatment at Thalang Hospital.

Despite the positive tests, no legal charges were filed against those involved. The operation revealed no illegal items during vehicle and person searches but officials were quick to emphasise that this was just one part of a larger effort to curb drug abuse and enhance community safety across Phuket.

The drug screening was led by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, with key support from Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Provincial Chief Administrative Officer Thiraphong Chuaychu, Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, and Deputy District Chief Wisut Romin.

While no criminal charges were pressed, the event shines a light on the ongoing drug issue in the region. Police hope that the voluntary treatment option will help tackle addiction and reduce meth use in the area, reported The Phuket News.

This operation marks the latest in a series of drug enforcement efforts, with authorities keen to show that they are taking action on the growing problem of methamphetamine use in Thailand.

It also highlights the importance of community involvement in tackling drug issues, with local officials playing a key role in identifying and supporting those affected.

In similar news, a coordinated operation by the Thalang District Administrative Special Operations Unit led to the arrest of a drug dealer in Thalang, Phuket. Officers uncovered thousands of meth pills and significant amounts of crystal meth hidden in a rubber plantation.