Time for drug policy rethink
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Editorial Bangkok Post editorial column
published : 17 Jan 2021 at 04:00
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The deaths of nine people last week from the overdose of a deadly new drug a combination of heroin, ketamine, methamphetamine and sleep medication is a shock.
The bizarre deaths, so many in one day, were unprecedented. Six were under the jurisdiction of Phraya Krai police station, and the rest reported by the Sai Mai and Suthisan police stations.
The term k-nom pong powdered milk ketamine baffles the public. The authorities are also looking into another ketamine concoction called Talaysai , which is much stronger than the milk powder formula.
8 Sniffer dogs seek out illegal drugs on Monday in the area around Wat Phraya Krai in the capital on Monday. (Photo by Arnun Chonmahatrakool)
The Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) is working closely with the Food and Drugs Administration and Customs Department to find the source of diazepam an anti-anxiety medication that was detected in the fatal ketamine cocktail known on the streets as k-nom pong .
At the same time, authorities are also looking into another ketamine concoction called Talaysai , after a friend of a victim that had overdosed on k-nom pong told police they were warned that it is much stronger than k-nom pong.