KOTA BARU: Thai authorities have established a special elite task force known as the Southern Lions Squad to combat the growing problem of drug smuggling along the country’s border with Malaysia.
Narathiwat vice-governor Wichan Chaisetsumpan said the squad, based in Sungai Golok town, comprises 20 enforcement officers and volunteers.
It was formed earlier this year under the initiative of Sungai Golok district officer Supeeyan Daemokleng.
He said a series of bilateral meetings between Thai and Malaysian government agencies had been held in Sungai Golok involving various border security bodies to address the issue.
“Both police forces have agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing on drug trafficking networks and conduct joint patrols along the border to enhance control and minimise smuggling risks,” he said in an interview today.
Wichan said Thailand, including the Narathiwat province, is not a producer of the drugs being smuggled into Malaysia.
“Thailand, like Malaysia, is also a victim of the drug trade.
“The government and local communities are working together to monitor high-risk areas and protect young people from drug influence.
“Investigations into detained suspects revealed that most of them intended to smuggle drugs into Malaysia,” he said.
He said Narathiwat shares a border with Malaysia through several districts including Waeng, Sukhirin, Si Sakhon and Chanae, spanning several hundred kilometres, about 95km of which runs along the Golok River and mountainous terrain.
Wichan added that the river route was frequently used by drug syndicates as certain stretches were shallow and easy to cross.
“One of the main factors driving these syndicates is the higher street value of drugs in the Malaysian market compared to Thailand,” he said.
Drug syndicates are known to favour routes along the Golok River, which offer easy access and multiple crossing points, making them a preferred channel for smuggling contraband into Malaysia.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
