PM’s new narcotics bill equates possession with trafficking

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has submitted amendment bills that would intensify drug suppression through longer detention, greater data access for authorities and a redefinition of all drug possessors as traffickers.

Mr Anutin, in his capacity as leader of the ruling Bhumjaithai Party, led party MPs to file two bills to amend the Narcotics Code and the Narcotics Cases Procedure Act with house speaker Sophon Zaram at parliament on Wednesday.

“The government is using all resources to prevent and suppress narcotic problems,” he said.

According to the prime minister, the bills will extend the duration of police detention for drug suspects from three days to seven days to facilitate investigation. Police and narcotics control officials will also be empowered to access data deemed relevant to support drug suppression and to remove any information that encourages drug abuse.

All individuals found with drugs would be considered traffickers if the amendments are passed. At present, those with a limited amount of drugs are categorised as users rather than traffickers. The distinction allows them to opt for rehabilitation to avoid imprisonment.

Traffickers are subject to stringent punishment. The new definition was made to intensify  charges against possessors.

Harsher punishment will also be imposed on those who using minors to carry out drug offences on their behalf.

Mr Anutin said that the government has been seriously combatting drug traffickers, noting this has resulted in gun fights against with runners in border areas and in Phetchaburi province Tuesday night.