Fraudulent drug network busted, two arrested in major operation
A significant operation targeting a fraudulent drug network linked to a veterans’ hospital resulted in the arrest of two key figures today, March 26.
The operation, conducted at 6am, involved searches at 18 locations across Bangkok, Lop Buri, Prachin Buri, and Chon Buri.
Police Major General Charunkiet Pankhaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Police, alongside Police Major General Prasong Chalermphon and Police Colonel Permwut Patumrach, led a joint task force, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, to apprehend suspects involved in the illicit distribution of hospital drugs to external buyers.
The first significant arrest occurred at the residence of Kanyarat, a retired government official, in the Kiakkai area. She was apprehended based on a warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for corruption and misconduct.
The charges include dereliction of duty under Section 157, embezzlement, falsification of documents, and misconduct in her official capacity.
Evidence indicated Kanyarat’s involvement as the leader of the network, orchestrating operations that involved sourcing people from Lop Buri to collect drugs from the veterans’ hospital.
These drugs were then handed over to the network’s main coordinators in exchange for a commission of 10% of the drug value, with an additional payment of 1,500 baht (US$44) per person involved.
Another crucial arrest took place at the residence of Brinda, a specialist doctor at the veterans’ hospital, in the Lat Phrao 71 area. Brinda was identified as a key suspect responsible for issuing prescriptions that exaggerated patients’ conditions, facilitating the fraudulent acquisition of drugs for resale.
This operation was initiated following complaints by General Dechnitith Lueangngamkham, director of the War Veterans Organisation, who reported the fraudulent activities to the anti-corruption police.
The malpractice has been ongoing since 2018, with Kanyarat orchestrating the scheme and Brinda issuing excessive prescriptions.
Subsequently, the acquired drugs were sold to clinics and pharmacies, with proceeds divided among the conspirators.
Financial investigations revealed that from 2018 to 2025, over 40 million baht (US$1.18 million) was transferred into Kanyarat’s account. The estimated financial damage from this fraudulent network is approximately 80 million baht (US$2.35 million), reported KhaoSod.
Following the operation, initial reports confirm the successful arrest of Kanyarat and Brinda, who are currently being detained for questioning by the anti-corruption police.
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