Cambodian arrested in Pathum Thani amphetamine bust
Thai police and various authorities arrested a Cambodian woman at a home in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani who is believed to be involved in the notorious drug ring known as First Klong Luang.
Officers found more than they expected, not one, but 2.8 million amphetamine pills.
The woman in question was identified as Saraitus On, a 30 year old Cambodian national. The investigation revealed that she and her Thai spouse, known only as Virayuth or First, were key players in a drug trafficking operation. Their role was to transport a large consignment of amphetamines from the northern regions of Thailand to the central areas.
Unfortunately, Virayuth managed to evade capture, taking refuge in a nearby irrigation canal under the cover of darkness. He left his wife behind, who was arrested at the scene.
A further search by the police led to the discovery of an additional 2.5 million amphetamine pills stashed inside a nearby car. Alongside the illicit substances, authorities also uncovered a 9-millimetre pistol.
First Klong Luang has been on the radar of law enforcement since December last year. Their prime suspect was a man known only as Sarayuth, who was believed to be directing operations from abroad. In their pursuit, the police traced Sarayuth’s footsteps to a house in Nong Khae, Saraburi, rented by Virayuth and Saraitus. It was here that the couple stored the drugs before moving them to the Nong Suea residence for distribution.
However, the elusive duo appeared to have been tipped off and relocated their illegal stash to Nong Suea. It was here that the police finally caught up with them, although Virayuth managed to escape.
According to the police, they successfully seized a total of 5.3 million amphetamine pills, with an additional 2.3 million already distributed, reported Pattaya News.
This victory against drug trafficking was a result of a directive from the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Chada Thaiseth. He had ordered a strict crackdown against drug dealers in an effort to eradicate illicit substances from Thai society.