Thai and US drugs agencies have launched a community-based initiative to fight drugs in the region.

Officials from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the US Consul-General in Chiang Mai, Susan Stevenson, yesterday spoke to the media at Wat Phra That Doi Wao in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district to launch "Operation Hot Spot", an anti-drug programme seeking public help in the war against drugs.

NSB commander Adithep Panjamanon said the programme was a community-based approach to encourage the public to give authorities information on individuals involved in drug trafficking, terrorism and money laundering.

Pol Lt Gen Adithep said it aimed to uproot major drugs networks present along the Thai-Burmese border and in other Asian countries.
One of the targets was Wei Hseuh-kang, a Burmese drug baron, who was wanted both in the US and Thailand for drug trafficking.

Under the programme, people are welcome to provide drug-related information around the clock via OFFICIAL website or by telephoning 02-205-4444.

The NSB-DEA joint website also supports the DEA's "Rewards for Information" programme that will give rewards to those who can give information leading to the arrest or conviction of the "wanted traffickers" shown on the website.

The US authorities are offering a reward of up to $2 million (62 million baht) for Wei's arrest.

The NSB chief said members of the public had provided tip-offs regardless of whether they would receive any reward. This means they are willing to help the authorities, the NSB chief said.

He said he was confident that the programme would help boost efforts to clamp down on the illicit drugs trade in this region.
Chiang Rai borders Burma, Laos and has a land link to southern China. It has been used as a transit point for drug trafficking from neighbouring countries into local provinces.