Police arrest minivan driver for drug running

PHUKET: Police last night arrested a van driver at the Tah Chat Chai Checkpoint after officers discovered 3,921 ya bah (methamphetamine) pills and four grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine) in the vehicle he was driving.

The driver, Sutthichai Kongsamut, 34, told police that he was running methamphetamine for a drug lord operating out of a prison in Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

“This was a random check,” explained Tah Chat Chai Deputy Superintendent Nikorn Choothong. “We stopped the van and noticed two suspicious light blue bags on the seat next to the driver.”

After seizing the drugs, the police began to question Mr Sutthichai.

“He said he was hired by Bang Lee, a prisoner in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, to deliver the drugs and sell them in Phuket,” Lt Col Nikorn said.

“He had picked up the pills at an arranged point near Baan Kalai School in Phang Nga.”

The pills were to be sold for 250 baht each.

Mr Sutthichai was charged with possession of a category 1 drug with intent to sell.

“We will be in contact with officers at the prison to verify Mr Sutthichai’s claim. If true, we would hope to be able to arrest more members of the drug network that Suttichai is part of,” Col Nikorn said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong