Phuket’s 90-day crackdown reports 28 arrests and 15,789 ya ba pills seized
Phuket authorities say 28 suspects have been arrested and 15,789 ya ba pills, about 476g of crystal meth and four firearms seized since a 90-day anti-drug campaign began on July 7.
Authorities in Phuket have reported 28 arrests and the seizure of 15,789 ya ba pills, about 476 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, four firearms and more than B320,000 in cash since a 90-day anti-drug campaign began on July 7.
The campaign involves Phuket Provincial Police, district administrative officers and other provincial authorities, with officials promising intensified action against drug trafficking, drug use and illegal firearms.
The largest seizure was reported on July 8, when officers from the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division arrested a 44-year-old suspected dealer in Ratsada. Police seized 14,128 ya ba pills, 400.03g of crystal methamphetamine and a Honda Forza motorcycle valued at about B200,000. Officers believed the motorcycle had been bought with proceeds from drug trafficking. The suspect was charged with possessing and selling Category 1 narcotics for commercial purposes, as well as illegal drug use.
On July 10, administrative officials and Chalong Police arrested a 32-year-old man in Rawai who was wanted under an outstanding drug-trafficking warrant. Officers seized about 59g of crystal meth, 131 ya ba pills, an M3 submachine gun with 92 rounds of ammunition, a Colt .380 pistol, a modified automatic blank gun, B160,700 in cash, a gold necklace and drug paraphernalia. Police said the suspect confessed to all charges.
Chalong Police also carried out further raids after receiving complaints from residents about armed men threatening locals and posting firearm videos on social media. One man was arrested with a Glock 26 pistol and ammunition. Another was warned after admitting that he had reposted firearm videos online.
On July 13, Chalong investigators raided a hotel room in Rawai after receiving information that drugs were being packaged for sale. Three suspects were arrested. Police said some drugs had been thrown from a window, while other supplies were hidden in the ceiling. Officers seized 914 ya ba pills, 4.14g of crystal meth, cash and a motorcycle worth more than B200,000 that was believed to be linked to the alleged drug operation.
District administrative teams reported additional operations elsewhere in Phuket. In Phuket Town, officers arrested a 32-year-old suspect and seized about 3.5g of crystal meth, drug paraphernalia and packaging materials. A separate coordinated operation in the town led to four arrests and the seizure of 335 ya ba pills, 6.24g of crystal meth, a homemade firearm and ammunition.
In Kathu District, one suspect was arrested with 1.5g of crystal meth. In Thalang, two separate operations resulted in four arrests. In Mai Khao, two suspects were arrested after officers seized 276 ya ba pills and 1.47g of crystal meth. Another operation in Thepkrasattri led to two more arrests and the seizure of 1.79g of crystal meth, four ya ba pills and drug paraphernalia.
The latest campaign follows the Ministry of Interior’s recurring “Operation 90 Days” policy, which has been reintroduced several times in recent years as successive administrations seek to demonstrate progress in tackling narcotics and related crime.
