National defense volunteer nabbed with marijuana at Phuket checkpoint

PHUKET: Thalang Police arrested a national defense volunteer with two bags of marijuana at a checkpoint in Thalang on Saturday.

When police saw a white Toyota Vios attempting to avoid the checkpoint at Baan Yamu at 8:30pm, they stopped the car, driven by Supakij Benjamas, 29, and searched it.

“We found two bags of marijuana and tobacco in a peanut can in the car,” Thalang Police Deputy Superintendent Amnuay Kraiwutthianun said.

“We found a card identifying the driver as a national defense volunteer, issued by Phuket Vice Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada,” Lt Col Amnuay said.

“The value of the marijuana was 2,000 baht and Mr Supakij was charged with possession and use of a class 5 narcotic,” said Col Amnuay. “The maximum penalty is up to five years in prison or a 50,000 baht fine.”

“We are continuing the investigation to verify if there are any other people involved in this case,” he said.

The checkpoint at Baan Yamu on Saturday was part of an initiative organized by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Choti Chavalviwat to crack down on drugs and weapons in Phuket.

At the time of Mr Supakij’s arrest, the checkpoint was manned by top brass: Thalang Police Deputy Superintendents Amnuay Kraiwutthianun, Pisit Chunpet and Wiwat Chumnankij, as well as Thalang District Chief Administrative Officer Siripong Leeprasit.

— Thawit Bilabdullar