Thai police bust major drug ring, seize assets worth 100 million baht
A notorious drug ring operating in the provinces of Pathum Thani and Yala was disrupted by Thai police, leading to the confiscation of assets amounting to nearly 100 million baht. Eight individuals, including the 32 year old alleged ringleader, were arrested across seven locations.
The arrests, executed yesterday, November 27, were the result of warrants issued by the Yala Provincial Court. The charges included aiding and abetting drug trafficking activities and conspiracy to launder money, according to Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Chief Jirabhob Bhuridej.
In the course of the operation, police recovered 80,000 methamphetamine pills along with nine firearms, ranging from handguns to war weapons, and 262 rounds of ammunition. The confiscated assets, currently under scrutiny, included real estate, a car garage, 27 vehicles, and three motorcycles. The total value of the seized assets is estimated to be about 100 million baht, as per CIB Chief Jirabhob, reported Bangkok Post.
Charoen Rattanawan, also known by the alias Jack Sam Mor, is believed to have directed his cohorts to establish bank accounts for receiving funds from drug sales. The money was subsequently transferred to the bank accounts of other members within the network. Drug parcels were allegedly dispatched to buyers via private logistics companies.
According to the commander of Crime Suppression Division (CSD) sub-division 6, Pongpanot Chukaew, Charoen and his accomplices had relocated to the province of Pathum Thani. They had set up businesses there, which included rental apartments, a racing car garage, and a marijuana café. These businesses were apparently fronts for their illicit drug operations. The group also allegedly engaged in selling unlicensed vehicles.
The suspects had been leasing apartment units in the vicinity for a considerable period of time to stockpile illegal drugs for future distribution to customers. The profits generated from the illicit drug trade enabled them to amass assets worth approximately 100 million baht, stated Pongpanot Chukaew.
Upon interrogation, all suspects admitted to the charges levied against them, as per the police. The suspects are now in the custody of CSD investigators for further legal action.
