Police arrest drug dealer ferrying narcotics across Tapi River

Police in Surat Thani Province successfully apprehended a small-time 36 year old drug dealer, who was ferrying narcotics across the Tapi River to customers. The arrest was made yesterday following a joint operation by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and local police.

Chai Mongkol, or Chaochat, residing in Talad Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province, was arrested with 10.02 grammes of crystal methamphetamine (ice), four methamphetamine pills (Yaba), and drug paraphernalia. His arrest follows an investigation revealing his involvement in the illicit drug trade.

Police had received intelligence that Chai Mongkol was living on the opposite side of the Tapi River but was actively selling drugs to customers in Surat Thani city. This discovery led to a carefully coordinated plan to catch him in the act.

Undercover agents arranged a drug purchase, and at the agreed time, Chai Mongkol paddled his boat across the river to deliver the narcotics. This operation made it challenging for law enforcement to apprehend him due to his unique method of transportation.

Upon Chai Mongkol’s arrival to deliver the drugs, police immediately arrested him. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional evidence. During interrogation, Chai Mongkol confessed that the drugs in his possession were his and that he had obtained them from an individual named Por, residing in Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, reported KhaoSod.

Following the confession, law enforcement officials initiated further investigations to dismantle the broader network involved in the drug trade. The arrest of Chai Mongkol is a significant step in combating the local drug issue, and police are now focusing on tracing and apprehending other members of the distribution network.

In related news, police captured two agents linked to smuggling 1.5 million methamphetamine tablets disguised in avocado boxes, connected to a previous seizure involving pineapples. The operation, led by Chiang Rai police, resulted in the arrests of 28 year old Sunittra and 29 year old Watthana.