A special operations team from the Thalang District administration joined forces with local village headmen, public health officers volunteers and police from Thalang Police Station to set up checkpoints in three villages ‒ Moo 1, Moo 6 and Moo 9 ‒ in Pa Klok.
Of 120 individuals tested through random urine screenings, 20 returned positive results for methamphetamine, said an official report of the checks.
Officials reported that all of those who tested positive confessed to using the drug and agreed to enter voluntary treatment at Thalang Hospital, said the report.
Their details were formally recorded, the report added.
No legal charges were reported as taken against any of the 20 caught.
While no illegal items were found during searches of people and vehicles, officials said the operation was part of a broader effort to crack down on drug abuse and improve community safety in Phuket.
The operation was reported as led under the direction of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, and carried out with support from Vice GovernorAdul Chuthong, Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Thiraphong Chuaychu, Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun and Deputy District Chief Wisut Romin.