Chilling discovery: Thai man busted with 5 kilos of methamphetamine ‘ice’ hidden under car chassis
A Thai man was arrested for concealing 5 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, also known as ice, in a hidden compartment under the chassis of his vehicle. The suspect, identified as 37 year old Phutthinan, also known as Gift, from Hat Yai, Songkhla, claimed to be a tourist. However, police were suspicious and had his vehicle examined by a mechanic who discovered the hidden compartment.
In light of the government’s anti-drug policy, the police, including Colonel Torasak Sukvimol, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police and others, have been vigilant in their efforts to prevent and suppress all types of illegal activities. During the long holiday between October 21 and 23, many tourists flocked to Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhla Buri districts, among whom some may have been involved in illegal activities.
Following the orders of superior officers and Deputy Inspector General Suradet Mekanuwong, the staff of various departments were ordered to remain vigilant against all forms of illegal activities. On October 23, around 2.30pm, officers stationed at the Thong Pha Phum checkpoint intercepted an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with the registration number KCJ9277 from Surat Thani.
Phutthinan, the driver, was initially cooperative and claimed to be a tourist visiting the Mon Bridge and the Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhla Buri.
An initial search of the vehicle revealed no contraband. However, a detailed inspection revealed modifications to the vehicle’s chassis, which was painted over with spray paint. The vehicle was taken to a garage for further examination.
Upon inspection, 39 packets of Category 1 drugs (methamphetamine), totalling 5.079 kilogrammes, were found hidden in the chassis.
Police interrogation
Phutthinan was detained for further questioning at the Thong Pha Phum police station. During the interrogation, he confessed that he had been hired by a man named Das (a pseudonym) to pick up the drugs from Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi.
Phutthinan started his journey from his home in Songkhla on October 14, stopping at several provinces before reaching the Thai-Myanmar border at the Three Pagodas Pass on October 18. He, along with Das, Sunday, and Das’s son, stayed in Myanmar for a few days before returning to Thailand on October 23.
Upon arrival, they split up, with Phutthinan heading home alone in the pickup truck laden with drugs until he was apprehended at the Thong Pha Phum checkpoint, reported Khaosod.
Phutthinan confessed to the charges, and the police have forwarded him and the evidence to the investigating officer of the Thong Pha Phum police station for further legal action. The police are currently collecting evidence to obtain warrants for the arrest of the other members of the group.
In related news, a man in Nong Khai hid a significant amount of methamphetamine inside an air purifier and was apprehended by customs officials. Read more about this story HERE.
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