Regional law enforcement is targeting Soi 6 and Koh Larn for stepped-up action against drug use.
Areepakdi Ngenbamroong, director of the Areas Coordination Division at the Narcotics Control Office Region 2, and Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho launched the community “x-ray” projects to look closer at the bar district and island with plans to use gentle persuasion to curb drug use and, if that fails, raids and arrests.
Areepakdi said Soi 6’s Yodsak community was chosen as it historically has had high levels of drug use by the more than 700 bar employees working on the street. Koh Larn was targeted for drug use by both locals and tourists.
Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho (center) hands out stickers and leaflets carrying anti-drug messages to workers at a Soi 6 bar.
The operation will start by having entertainment venues place stickers and distribute leaflets to persuade bar owners and staff to cooperate with authorities in monitoring and preventing drug use.
Bars that do not cooperate risk arrests and having their operating licenses canceled, Sakchai said.
