Tests Confirm Drugs in 15 Samples

PHUKET TOWN: Fifteen of 51 urine samples sent to a regional health department testing laboratory in Trang following the raid at the At Eaze Music House in September have tested positive for amphetamines, Phuket Provincial Health Officer Dr Boonriang Chuchaisangrat told the Gazette today. The urinalyses were carried out to confirm initial results obtained by local health officers who conducted random drug testing of patrons of the popular Phuket Town nightclub on September 20. More than 350 of them were subjected to the on-site tests after Phuket Tourist Police and Bangkok narcotics suppression officers sealed the venue in the first-ever raid of its kind on the island. Of the total, 51 patrons tested positive for amphetamines. Dr Boonriang reported that further lab analysis revealed amphetamines present in only 15 of the 51 samples. Muang District Police, who recorded the names and addresses of those who initially tested positive, said no criminal charges have been filed against the 15 suspects whose urine sample findings have now been reconfirmed by the lab. Phuket Tourist Police Inspector Arnont Kamolrat told the Gazette that the 15 would be offered free drug counselling sessions.