Thailand is set to conclude its year-long anti-drug campaign by destroying a record-breaking 340 tonnes of seized narcotics. The operation is part of the government’s “Set Zero” campaign against drug trafficking.
Part of the government’s “Set Zero” campaign, the incineration will mark the largest-ever cache of narcotics destroyed in Thailand. (Photo: The Nation)
Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - Thailand is setto conclude its year-long anti-drug campaign by destroying a record-breaking340 tonnes of seized narcotics. The operation is part of the government’s “SetZero” campaign against drug trafficking.
The narcotics, transported from the Ministry ofPublic Health in Nonthaburi to the Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan,include over 156 tonnes of methamphetamine pills, crystal meth, heroin, andother illegal drugs. The incineration process, scheduled in two phases, willbegin with 110 tonnes being burnt over eight days from December 26, followed bythe destruction of the remaining 230 tonnes starting January 19.
The incineration will be conducted at temperaturesof 1,800 degrees Celsius to ensure complete destruction of the drugs whileminimizing environmental impact. The Thai government has allocated 9 millionbaht for this large-scale operation.
In a move to prevent seized narcotics fromre-entering the market or falling into the wrong hands, the government plans toconduct drug-burning ceremonies every month throughout 2024. This approachallows for the prompt destruction of substances seized in police operations,even before the conclusion of legal cases.
This initiative follows the influx of narcoticsfrom the Golden Triangle, the notorious border region of Myanmar and Laos, intoThailand. The drugs are intended for both domestic consumption andinternational distribution, with experts noting that the seized quantities representonly a fraction of the overall illicit trade./.
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