British suspect arrested in gun supply case tied to Patong cartel killing

Police arrested a British suspect in connection with the Patong cartel killing that left a 24-year-old Iraqi man dead on Sirirat Road in Phuket on Feb. 7. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau and Crime Suppression Division took the 33-year-old man, identified only as Amir, into custody at a condominium in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, on Friday, May 15.

The suspect was wanted under a Phuket Provincial Court warrant issued on Feb. 12. The warrant cites charges of abetting premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying a firearm in public without permission, and firing a gun in a public area without justification.

Investigators link suspect to firearm procurement

Police said the killing was systematically planned and involved a group of foreign nationals who allegedly supplied weapons to the gunman.

Investigators later identified Amir as one of the suspects linked to procuring the firearm used in the attack. After learning he was staying at a condominium in Pattaya, officers obtained a search warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court before making the arrest.

Several items believed to be connected to the case were seized during the operation, police said.

Earlier arrest near Phuket airport

The latest arrest follows the earlier capture of a Colombian national accused of carrying out the shooting. Police said he was found hiding near Phuket International Airport while allegedly preparing to flee the country.

Officers seized two firearms, ammunition, a motorcycle and clothing believed to have been worn during the attack.

Investigators believe the murder stemmed from a conflict within an international drug trafficking cartel. Amir denied all charges during questioning and was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/brit-arrested-over-providing-gun-for-patong-cartel-killing-100249.php