Alleged ya bah dealer slain

KAMALA: A man police say they believe was a drug dealer was ambushed and shot dead soon after dropping his daughter at school in Kamala today. The killing took place soon after 8 am as Natee Yayee, 35, rode his motorcycle across the bridge at Klong Pakbang, after dropping his daughter at Baan Kamala School. Pol Maj Pisit Cheanpetch, Inspector of Kathu Police Station, said, “No one saw what happened because the road is behind the school, near the mangrove forest and about 70 meters from the main road.” Police believe at least two killers were involved. They added that Natee’s wallet and mobile phone appeared to be missing. After investigating the scene, police allowed relatives to collect the body of Natee, a Muslim, for burial. Maj Pisit told the Gazette that Natee had been arrested twice in 1998 for stealing belongings from foreigners in order to buy ya bah (methamphetamine). “He was suspected by police of being involved still with narcotics, both as a user and a dealer. We had heard that he was the main ya bah dealer in the Kamala area, but we didn’t have enough evidence to arrest him,” Maj Pisit added. Although officers believe that Natee’s slaying was probably narcotics-related, they have not ruled out other motives.