Wichit police arrest 12 in one-day drug and gun operation

Wichit police arrested 12 people in a one-day operation targeting drug and firearm offences in Phuket, seizing crystal methamphetamine, a homemade 9mm handgun and 9mm ammunition.

The operation was ordered by Wichit Police Station chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang and led by deputy investigation chief Pol Lt Col Suthon Thongphan and investigation chief Pol Maj Witthaya Kulnoi. It followed the policy of Phuket Provincial Police commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum.

One suspect, 33-year-old Surasak from Nakhon Phanom, was found with 10 items of evidence, including crystal methamphetamine, the homemade handgun and ammunition. Police charged him with possessing a Category 1 narcotic without permission, illegally consuming methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm and ammunition without a permit.

Three other suspects — Paiboon, 28, and Yothin, 34, both from Wichit, and Teerapat, 23, from Sisaket — were charged with jointly possessing crystal methamphetamine without permission and illegally consuming methamphetamine. Police seized methamphetamine pills and collected urine samples as evidence.

The remaining eight suspects — Peerapol, 34, from Trang; Janjira, 20, Tharisara, 20, Wilasinee, 29, Oranong, 21, Aranya, 22, and Narongsak, 24, from Wichit; and Orawan, 32, from Ranong — were arrested on drug-use charges and handed over to Wichit police investigators for further legal proceedings.