Meth smugglers caught at checkpoint

PHUKET: Three meth smugglers were arrested at the Tah Chat Chai checkpoint after police caught them with 900 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine) yesterday morning.

Police were searching vehicles with out-of-province licence plates when they stopped the black Honda driven by Chaipichit Kaewkan, 28.

Though the initial search of the vehicle did not reveal any drugs, police were suspicious and decided to physically search Mr Chaipichit, as well as passengers Apaporn Jiewmaidaeng, 24, and Thasanai Sandee, 28.

“Ms Apaporn looked like she may have been pregnant. However, the body search revealed that she had a package of meth hidden under her jacket,” said Tah Chat Chai Deputy Superintendent Nikorn Choothong.

Mr Chaipichit told police that his friend’s girlfriend had asked him to bring the drugs from Surat Thani to Thalang for her.

The three were charged for possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.

They confessed to the crime and were brought to the Tah Chat Chai Police Station for further processing.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong