Phuket drug probe leads to 1kg crystal meth seizure

Police in Phuket have arrested a suspect and seized about one kilogramme of crystal meth as part of an ongoing investigation linked to a drug bust at the Tha Chatchai Checkpoint.

The arrest was made at about 9pm on Monday, June 22, by officers from Tha Chatchai Police Station and Thalang Police, with assistance from Mai Khao administration officials led by Mai Khao Kamnan Worawit Srisakukham.

Police said the investigation began after officers intercepted a red Mazda 3 sedan entering Phuket at the Tha Chatchai Checkpoint on March 24. During that operation, officers found 2,967 methamphetamine, or ya bah, pills hidden inside a bag concealed in the vehicle’s right fender under the engine compartment. Two men from Krabi were arrested and charged with jointly possessing and selling Category 1 narcotics.

As part of the continuing probe, officers on Monday arrested another suspect believed to be connected to the March case. A detailed search of the vehicle later uncovered approximately one kilogramme of crystal meth hidden inside the ceiling of the car.

The drugs were seized as evidence, and the suspect was charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic and jointly possessing and selling Category 1 narcotics, according to police.

Police said the investigation is continuing to identify and arrest others involved.

In a separate case, Kathu district officials seized 451 ya bah pills and 44.19 grammes of crystal meth during a follow-up anti-drugs operation in Soi Khok Tanode, Moo 9, Chalong last week.

That operation was carried out by the Kathu District Office, led by district officials and members of the Kathu District Volunteer Defence Corps, or OrSor. The seized drugs were handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Officials did not release the names of any suspects arrested in either operation.