Pre-Valentine’s Day drug campaign sweeps up five suspects

PHUKET: In an attempt to preserve clean love for Valentine’s Day, Phuket police made a series of drug busts today as part of their “Valentine’s Day Cleanup Campaign”.

The raid started with the Phuket City Police arresting 27-year-old Jaturong Sethkhong, in possession of about two kilograms of kratom leaves. He was charged with possession of a Category 5 drug with intent to sell.

The following five arrests made during the crackdown early this morning were for possession of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine).

Thanathip Khongyen, 19, was caught in a sting operation with 400 milligrams of ya ice. Mr Thanathaip was also found with a homemade firearm and ammunition. He was charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Termsin Suvanmanee, 36, was arrested in front of a Siam Commercial Bank in Kathu after he attempted to sell ya ice to an undercover police officer. He was found in possession of 700mg of ya ice, and charged for attempting to sell a Category 1 drug.

The last alleged drug dealers caught in the campaign were Jessada Khetnikhom, 19, and Vasan Thep-phipit, 23, who were caught with ya ice in a sting operation in Kathu. They were charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.

In Patong, Suphapon Kwanjai, 33, was arrested after she was found in her hotel room with 300mg of ya ice. She was charged with possession of a Category 1 drug.

— Saroj Kueprasertkij