Bangkok drug bust seizes meth worth 100m baht, three arrested

A major drug bust in Bangkok led to the arrest of three alleged members of a substantial drug network, with methamphetamine (meth) pills and crystal meth worth over 100 million baht seized.

Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, assistant national police chief, and senior police officials, announced the operation at the Metropolitan Police Bureau office yesterday, October 2.

The suspects, identified as 29 year old Nonthawat, 46 year old Watcharin, both from Nakhon Si Thammarat, and 31 year old Sutthipong from Roi Et, were apprehended during a raid on two rooms at a resort in the Tha Raeng area of Bang Khen district. Their full names were not disclosed.

Police reports indicate the suspects were found in possession of 5.9 million meth pills and 190 kilogrammes of crystal meth. Additionally, officers seized a van, a car, and a pickup truck. The drugs were valued at over 100 million baht.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Samrarn stated that the arrests followed intelligence suggesting that a major drug gang planned to move a significant shipment to a location in Bangkok for subsequent distribution.

Police observed three suspect vehicles arriving at the resort around 9.30pm yesterday. Three men checked into a pool villa and an ordinary room, prompting the arresting team to monitor them overnight before conducting the raid at dawn.

Officers discovered the suspects packing drugs into cardboard boxes. Sutthipong attempted to flee by climbing through a high window using a handbasin, which broke, causing him to fall and injure his leg. He was detained and taken to Police General Hospital.

All three suspects face charges of possessing illicit drugs with intent to sell. The investigation is ongoing, according to police.

Further details about the suspects’ connections and the broader network are expected as the investigation progresses, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, police in Phatthalung have arrested a drug dealer at a petrol station, seizing 20,000 meth pills intended for local distribution. They are now expanding their efforts to dismantle a larger network in Thung Song.