Bangkok police arrest three for drug trafficking during Loy Krathong

A suspicious vehicle stop led to the arrest of three people accused of drug trafficking in Bangkok. Law enforcement discovered 3 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and a firearm in their possession as they allegedly attempted to transport the drugs.

Police officers from the Samae Dam Police Station set up a checkpoint as part of a crime suppression initiative during the Loy Krathong festival. The checkpoint was located on Samae Dam Road, near Soi 2, in the Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok.

During this operation, a white Toyota Revo pickup truck, with the registration 2 ฒข 9353, passed through the checkpoint, arousing suspicion due to the nervous demeanour of its occupants.

The driver and two passengers appeared visibly anxious, with their heads bowed, according to police reports.

Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver was identified as Chakri, a resident of Nakhon Pathom province. The passengers were identified as Wutthichai, from Sisaket province, and Sunthian, a Myanmar national. All three admitted to recently using crystal methamphetamine.

A search of the vehicle revealed three Chinese tea bags, containing 3 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, hidden inside the cabin. Additionally, a homemade .380 calibre firearm, along with 19 rounds of ammunition, was concealed behind the driver’s seat.

These items were confiscated as evidence, and the three men were taken to the Samae Dam Police Station for further questioning.

In their statements, the individuals claimed they had driven from Samut Sakhon Province to visit a friend named Kai, in the Bang Yi Ruea area. They alleged that Kai invited them to use crystal methamphetamine together.

Afterwards, Kai entrusted them with three bags of tea to deliver to another friend near Ban Rai Temple in Samut Sakhon, unaware that the bags contained drugs, reported KhaoSod.

The suspects were charged with possession of crystal methamphetamine with intent to distribute and illegal drug use. Chakri faced additional charges for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm and ammunition in public without a permit, and driving under the influence of drugs.

The three men were then handed over to investigators at the Samae Dam Police Station for legal proceedings.