Thai police arrest three in 9 million baht drug bust in Bangkok

Thai police recently arrested three young people involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Bangkok. Officers seized 600,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills and 45 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), with a street value of over 9 million baht.

Vorawit Yanachinda, Special Branch Bureau Commissioner, along with deputy commissioners, received a report from Wasan Thawatchaiwirut, the patrol inspector, and Nattadon Bumrungsri, the patrol sub-inspector. The officers apprehended 30 year old Nan, 28 year old Wannipa, and 29 year old Jitravee, also known as Pu at 7pm yesterday, September 9.

The operation took place at a house in Tha It subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province, and extended to another house in Soi Lat Phrao 101, Soi 42, Khlong Chan subdistrict, Bang Kapi district, Bangkok.

The investigation began on September 7, when patrol officers expanded their probe into a previously apprehended drug suspect. They uncovered a large-scale drug smuggling operation, planning to distribute drugs to teenagers and the general public in the Lat Phrao area. The officers reported their findings to their superiors and continued their investigation.

Their efforts revealed that Jitravee was transporting drugs from Pathum Thani province into Bangkok. She was accompanied by a lead car driven by Bom (pseudonym), with May (pseudonym) as a passenger, to scout the route and avoid police detection.

Patrol officers tracked the suspect vehicle to a house in Tha It subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Upon arrival, they identified themselves and searched, uncovering 600,000 meth pills and 45 kilogrammes of Ice hidden inside the vehicle.

Drug transport

Simultaneously, the team apprehended Nan and Wannipa, who were responsible for driving the lead car, at a house in Soi Lat Phrao 101, Soi 42, Khlong Chan subdistrict, Bang Kapi district. The suspects confessed to receiving payments ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 baht per drug transport, with the lead car drivers earning between 15,000 and 30,000 baht for each trip.

After delivering the drugs to various locations, they would receive instructions from their boss on where to pick up the next batch, usually in the suburban areas around Bangkok. They admitted to participating in the operation four to five times.

The police charged the suspects with possession of category 1 narcotics (meth and Ice) with intent to distribute, causing widespread distribution among the public, and endangering national security or public safety. The suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further legal action. The police are continuing their investigation to apprehend the operation’s mastermind, reported KhaoSod.