Amsterdam murders trigger Phuket raid

CHALONG: A Bangkok-based Dutch police officer joined four Drug Suppression Unit officers in a weekend raid on the Phuket home of a Dutchman who was murdered in Amsterdam and was suspected of involvement in the international illegal drugs trade. Saturday’s 6 am raid on the home of Jules Leo Jie at Land and Houses Park led to the discovery of three 9 mm automatic pistols registered to Jie’s wife, Jiraporn Injan. Pol Lt Col Jessada Sangsuree, of Chalong Police Station, said that the Dutch police planned the action in coordination with Phuket Vice-Governor Pongpow Ketthong after Jie and his Thai girlfriend were shot dead in the Dutch capital on Thursday. V/Gov Pongpow told the Gazette that the officers went to check the house following allegations from several sources that Jie was connected with the international drugs trade. A search warrant had been sought but in the event the owner of the house allowed the officers to search for evidence. “His wife told us that she knew nothing about illegal drugs,” V/Gov Pongpow said, adding, “We are continuing the investigation and will cooperate fully if the Netherlands authorities want more information.” Phuket Provincial Deputy Police Commander, Col Apirak Hongtong, told the Gazette that further inquiries would be made into the activities of K. Jiraporn.