July 3, 2008
BANGKOK - Drugs smugglers have become more creative so as to survive the checking measures in prison, according to the Correction Department.
Prison authorities banned personal gifts for inmates to get rid of strange forms of drug smuggling.
"The smugglers are changing their methods all the time, they try everything," Correction Department chief Wanchai Roujanavong told AFP.
Dead toads were filled with drugs and thrown over prison walls.
In some cases, amphetamine pills were even stuffed into hollow stems of morning glory plants and hidden in red curry while clams had their meat removed and replaced with drugs wrapped in plastic.
Officials were finding illicit drugs on prisoners two or three times a week, Wanchai said, adding the new ban should help reduce the problem.
In the past, drugs were hidden in personal belongings such as soap, baby powder, toothpaste or milk.
These products are now available at prison shops.
