Thai DPM orders probe into cold pill theft

BANGKOK, March 18 (TNA) - Deputy Thai Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrung has ordered a probe into an alleged theft of cold pills containing pseudo-ephedrine—which can be used the production of methamphetamine—from a hospital in the northeastern province of Kalasin. Chalerm ordered the probe on Sunday for Kamalasai Hospital where some 350,000 cold pills had allegedly disappeared. According to the report, not fewer than five people were suspected of involvement in the pill racket. Also, Chalerm said a window dressing of the hospital was made. Expressing disappointment at the hospital officials, Chalerm said he had asked the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board to identify those responsible and impose severe punishment. Meanwhile, police in the southern province of Pattalung have arrested two men along with more than 20,000 methamphetamine pills and two pistols. Police said the drugs were about to be sold in Pattalung and nearby province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. In a recent survey conducted by ABAC Poll, about 77.7 percent of total respondents said they want Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to solve narcotics problem. (TNA)