Thailand’s deputy police chief has ordered an investigation into an illegal narcotics network which has been distributing ecstasy pills into the shape of “La Boo Boo”, a popular toy doll in Thailand
Pol Gen Kittiratt Phanphet said he had never seen the “La Boo Boo” shaped ecstasy pills before. He said upon learning about this new drug I have ordered police to conduct a widespread investigation and to arrest both sellers and users.
Pol Gen Kittiratt statement comes after police in Bandu Chiang Rai raided a karaoke shop and found the new shaped ecstasy pills, locally known as “Ya E”.
The ecstasy pills were found in a plastic bag with a “La Boo Boo” character logo on the front. Two men were arrested. Chiang Rai police also discovered underage females, aged between 16 and 18, were working as hostesses at the shop, located near Chiang Rai airport.
“La Boo Boo” Ecstasy Pills
According to Thailand’s Narcotics Suppression police there is no ecstasy production in Thailand. Ecstasy is mostly trafficked into Thailand from overseas, particularly the Netherlands.
Over the past two years, drug cases revealed that Southeast Asia has become the emerging source of ecstasy production though. This trend brings dawn the retail price of ecstasy in Thailand to 400-800 Baht/tablet (US$ 12-25/tablet).
The decreasing trend of ecstasy price has triggered concern among drug control authorities over the possibility of ecstasy being used as the Yaba (methamphetamine) substitute in the future.
However due to its relatively high price, the demand for ecstasy is yet limited to the wealthy groups. Epidemic areas of ecstasy abuse can often be found in Bangkok and tourism-based provinces. It is one of club drugs often used in private parties or entertainment places.
Singaporean and Malaysian groups remain major syndicates actively smuggling ecstasy from Europe to Thailand via Thailand-Malaysia border.
According to the Narcotics Suppression police, case information reveals that syndicates of Thai, Hong Kong, and Taiwanese origins involve in ecstasy smuggling into Thailand via Bangkok International Airport by air passengers and air mails.
Authorities concerned are keeping close watch to the situation of ecstasy trafficking and abuse.
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