Phuket raid seizes crystal meth, shotgun and ammunition
Authorities seized 28 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, a shotgun and other items during a raid on a suspected drug den in Kathu district.
Phuket authorities seized 28 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, a shotgun and other items during a raid on a suspected drug den in Kathu district, provincial officials said on Tuesday.
The operation was conducted at 10.30pm on Monday by the Manee Kram unit, a special operations team of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation. The team was investigating a suspected drug-trafficking and gathering site.
An undercover officer first made a drug purchase before authorities moved in to inspect the premises, officials said. The suspected dealer became suspicious and fled, reportedly using his familiarity with the area.
Five people found at the site agreed to enter drug rehabilitation programmes, according to the authorities.
Items seized included the crystal methamphetamine, known as “ice”, a 12-gauge single-barrel break-action shotgun without a registration number, one round of ammunition, a firearm scope and a sword. Bank account numbers were also found written on mirrors at the property, which authorities said suggested that financial transactions were taking place.
The tenant, who fled, is being pursued on charges of possessing and distributing Category 1 narcotics for sale, possessing a weapon, and possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition. The seized items were handed over to investigators at Kathu police station.
The raid formed part of a nationwide 90-day campaign announced by the Interior Ministry last month to strengthen security measures, including tighter controls on firearms and illegal drugs and more inspections of suspected crime hotspots. Phuket authorities said the property would continue to be monitored to prevent it from becoming a gathering point for drug users.
