Bangkok drug gang busted: Major arrest and drug seizure
Investigation leads to high-stakes operation dismantling major narcotics network
A significant drug gang member has been apprehended following months of investigation. Police seized nearly 500,000 methamphetamine pills, 1 kilogramme of ice, and 1 kg of ketamine.
The arrest of the suspect, nicknamed Boonyaraksa, took place at 6am today, May 7, in the Khlong Sam Wa district, Bangkok.
Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Major General Nopasilp Punsawat, and Major General Phallop Aeromla led the operation. With specific directives from Police Colonel Somphoch Thongmoon, Police Lieutenant Chananthat Kaewthong spearheaded the investigative team from Min Buri Police Station.
The investigation targeted 27 year old Apivat, also known as Fluke, following a lengthy surveillance. Apivat was identified as a key player in the gang, responsible for storing and distributing large quantities of drugs.
The investigation revealed that Apivat frequently used a car to collect drugs and a motorcycle to distribute them discreetly. His daily routine involved staying at home, avoiding any form of legitimate employment.
In the early hours of May 5, the Min Buri investigative team confirmed that Apivat had recently acquired several sacks of methamphetamine. This intelligence was promptly reported to superiors, and a plan was devised to intercept and prevent the drugs from reaching the public. Upon Apivat’s arrest, an investigation was initiated to uncover further connections.
During this process, a Line account under the name Henry, identified as Apivat’s superior, contacted him to relocate the drug storage. Arrangements were made for another Line account, Light of day, to collect the drugs from Apivat.
Subsequently, yesterday, the Min Buri team prepared to detain gang members tasked with retrieving the drugs.
Light of day was traced to the rendezvous point, using two vehicles: a car driven by 33 year old Sutee, known as Kong, and a closed pickup truck driven by 36 year old Panupong, known as Bank, accompanied by 34 year old Sarayut, known as Nut. The pickup truck was used to load the drugs while Sutee monitored the operation.
As the police moved in, Sutee attempted to flee and evade capture, endangering officers in the process. The police were compelled to break the vehicle’s window to prevent his escape.
All three people were apprehended and revealed that they were hired by a figure known as Boonyaraksa to transport drugs on multiple occasions.
Payment was offered based on vehicle usage: 10,000 baht (US$305) per vehicle, with Panupong and Sarayut receiving 5,000 baht (US$150) each and Sutee earning 10,000 baht (US$305).
Apivat, Sutee, Panupong, and Sarayut face charges of drug trafficking involving Category 1 substances (methamphetamine and ice) and Category 2 substances (ketamine), with the intent to distribute.
These activities pose a public threat and compromise national security. The seized drugs have been submitted to investigators at Nimit Mai Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.
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