AYUTTHAYA, 26 June 2015 – The government has marked International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by incinerating more than nine tons of narcotics today.
Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong presided over the incineration of the illicit drugs, which took place at Bang Pa In Industrial Estate. Public Health Minister Dr. Ratchata Ratchatanawin, acting Permanent-Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health Surachet Satitniramai, Food and Drug Administration Secretary-General Boonchai Somboonsuk, and department chiefs as well as foreign diplomats also witnessed the event.
The activity is intended to highlight the government’s stance against drug abuse and all forms of drug crime. The confiscated drugs were destroyed by Pyrolytic Incineration system, which poses no risk to the environment. The United Nations has designated June 26 as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to raise awareness of the chronic drug problems.
The Ministry of Public Health last year managed to bring more than 350,000 drug users into its rehabilitation system. This year, it plans to involve over 220,000 addicts in its drug withdrawal program.
