Drug dealer turns in Phuket suppliers

PHUKET: Police seized more than 3.7 million baht of property after a Phuket drug dealer gave up his suppliers Tuesday night.

“We first arrested Kiatipoom ‘Tak’ Rangubwong, 34, in possession of 338 ya bah (methamphetamine) pills,1.8 grams of ya ice (crystalmethamphetamine) and drug paraphernalia at his house on Thung Thong Road at about 11pm,” said Col Jaroon Bangprasert of the Phuket Provincial Police.

Mr Kiatipoom, after being questioned by officers, revealed the names and location of his suppliers: Chaowarit ‘Chao’ Sukma, 38, and Kwanmuang ‘Nuch’ Jantapook, 47.

“We then arrested Mr Chaowarit and Ms Kwanmuang at their Rassada home in possession of 1,318 ya bah pills,” Col Jaroon said.

“We seized their house and its corresponding Chanote title valued at 3.1 million baht, a Honda Civic valued at about 600,000 baht and a Samsung mobile valued at about 10,000 baht, as we believe the properties were paid for with drug money.”

All three suspects were charged for possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell, said Col Jaroon.

Mr Kiatipoom’s case was transferred to Thung Thong Police, while Mr Chaowarit and Ms Kwanmuang’s cases were transferred to Phuket City Police, he added.

— Thawit Bilabdullar