Snatchers snitch on sex drug seller

PHUKET: Using a tip-off from recently arrested bag-snatchers, police raided a Phuket pharmacy on Tuesday evening, seizing more than 10,000 pills of drugs being sold illicitly.

Among the pills were sex aids, antidepressants, steroids and the notorious “date rape” drug Rohypnol.

“Four bag-snatchers told us they planned to buy Zolam at a pharmacy in Patong,” said Patong Police Deputy Superintendent Khunnadet Nanongkhai.

“So we sent undercover officers, and they were able to buy 10 Zolam pills.”

After the purchase, the officers identified themselves and arrested Rawiwong Keeratiakarapong, 46, charging him with the sale of Category 2 psychotropic substances, controlled drugs and dangerous drugs without permission.

Police also charged the pharmacist, Kitiya Niwetworachai, for not being at the shop while it was in operation.

Police seized the pharmacy log book, 1,900 packs of Kamagra oral jelly, 112 pills of Kamagra, 84 Viagra pills, a total of 2,055 pills of Alprazolam, Valium and Rohypnol, and 8,088 steroid pills.

Officers declined to name the shop as their investigation has not yet concluded.

“We need to find out whether the owner is also involved. We have called him in for questioning,” said Lt Col Khunnadet.

Mr Rawiwong faces up to five years in prison, a 50,000-baht fine or both. Pharmacist Ms Kitiya was fined 5,000 baht.

— Saran Mitrarat