Police arrest Krabi man at Phuket checkpoint with meth and unregistered firearm

Police at the Tha Chatchai checkpoint in Phuket arrested a 28-year-old man from Lam Thap District in Krabi after finding methamphetamine, ya bah pills and an unregistered firearm during an inspection late on May 27.

Tha Chatchai Police told the Phuket Express that officers intensified checks for narcotics and illegal weapons and carried out the arrest at about 10 p.m. during what police described as a strict inspection operation.

Police said officers found 128 ya bah pills concealed inside the suspect’s underwear, along with 0.895 grams of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice, including the bag weight. They also seized an unregistered .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, five rounds of .22 ammunition, one handgun magazine, a black leather holster for concealed carry and one mobile phone.

Police said the man was informed of his rights and charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He and the seized evidence were taken to Tha Chatchai Police Station, where he was handed over to investigators for further legal action.

Authorities said the checkpoint operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and illegal weapons in Phuket, especially at key entry points to the island.