Three women arrested in Wichit over thefts and meth use
Police in Wichit arrested three women suspected of carrying out multiple thefts in Wichit and Chalong and using the proceeds to buy methamphetamine.
Three women were arrested in Wichit on Sunday after police linked them to multiple thefts in Wichit and Chalong, and said they used the proceeds to buy methamphetamine.
The suspects were identified only as Nitima, 54, Maliwan, 37, and Mathri, 57. Police said they were apprehended at a residence in the Suan Luang Community in Moo 2, Wichit.
According to police, the three women had been travelling on a saleng, a motorbike with a sidecar, targeting homes and stealing valuable items. Investigators linked the group to the theft of steel pipes from Chao Fah Village in Wichit and air conditioning units from properties in Chalong.
Police said the stolen items were sold and the money was used to purchase methamphetamine.
During the operation, officers seized a white-and-black Honda Dream motorcycle with sidecar bearing Phuket licence plate J 7587, along with clothing believed to have been worn during the thefts.
Urine tests conducted on all three suspects returned positive results for methamphetamine, police said.
The women were initially taken to Wichit Police Station before being handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. They face charges of jointly committing theft and consuming a Category 1 narcotic, methamphetamine.
Police said investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, as the trio are suspected of carrying out multiple thefts across the island while using their motorised tricycle to transport stolen goods.
Wichit Police said the investigation is continuing and urged anyone affected by similar thefts in the Wichit or Chalong areas to contact police.
