Phuket police arrest 11 in drug raids, seize more than 8,700 meth pills

Police arrested 11 suspects in separate drug raids across Phuket on 20 October, seizing 8,720 methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine, heroin, cash and a motorcycle, Phuket Provincial Police reported.

The largest seizure came during an operation at three locations in a sea gypsy community in Rawai. Chalong Police arrested five suspects and seized 5,582 methamphetamine, or ya bah, pills, 11.2 grammes of crystal meth, B47,680 in cash and a motorcycle. The operation, named Spiderweb, was conducted between 6am and 8am with local administrative officials under the supervision of Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Surachai Suksai.

In Srisoonthorn, Thalang Police arrested one suspect at employee living quarters within a company and seized 2,700 ya bah pills. The suspect was charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to distribute for commercial purposes.

Patong Police arrested two suspects at about 6am. Worawut, also known as Ton, was found with 9.63 grammes of crystal meth, a mobile phone and a motorcycle. He was charged with possessing crystal methamphetamine for distribution and drug consumption.

A 32-year-old woman identified as Wasana was found with 0.74 grammes of crystal meth and nine methamphetamine pills. She was charged with unauthorised possession and consumption of the drugs.

Sakhu Police made three further arrests. Pongphat Pongpha, 39, was arrested at workers’ living quarters in Moo 4, where officers found 408 ya bah pills in two bags behind a fence and three more pills in a separate bag. Wiwat, 40, also known as Ek Tha Ruea, was found with 18 ya bah pills near workers’ accommodation in the same area, where police also seized drug-use equipment.

Thanet Chotngam, 26, was arrested at a residence in Sakhu. Police seized 0.15 grammes of suspected heroin and equipment allegedly used to consume crystal meth.

Separately, Kathu Police arrested one suspect in Kathu Subdistrict in a firearms case. Officers seized a 9mm Glock 19 semi-automatic handgun and 34 rounds of ammunition. The suspect was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Police said all suspects had been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings, while further investigations into the drug cases continued.