Singaporean fugitive arrested in Bangkok after three-month drug investigation

Thai police arrested a 40-year-old Singaporean man in Bangkok on 3 September after an investigation lasting more than three months into alleged drug offences and hazardous chemicals.

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) began investigating Joel after receiving information from Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau. Singaporean authorities allegedly told Thai officials that he had committed several drug-related offences and fled to Thailand.

Investigators traced Joel to a luxury condominium in Bang Kae, where officers seized 3 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, explosive precursor chemicals and other hazardous substances, according to the report.

Police also examined his mobile phone and said it contained evidence that poison had been ordered through the dark web. The substances were sent to a forensic institute for testing.

A Thai female party entertainer who had previously worked for Joel told investigators that he had been violent towards her, including allegedly causing a serious eye injury and threatening her with a knife. She also claimed he had discussed carrying out a mass killing in Thailand and had ordered highly potent poison and substances used for animal euthanasia or capital punishment.

Joel denied planning a mass killing. He told police that he had obtained the chemicals and poison for a suicide attempt, saying he was under stress because his girlfriend frequently went out and did not return home. He was transferred to investigators at Lak Song Police Station for further legal proceedings.