Crime
Drug Suppression Operation Nets Huge Cache of Drugs
Seven drug suppression operations have resulted in 18 arrests and the seizure of 6.2 million speed pills, 1.7 tons of marijuana, 325 kilograms of crystal meth and 5.4 kilograms of heroin in Thailand.
A media briefing on Thursday was held by the chief of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), Pol Lt Gen Sarayut Sa-nguanphokhai said that out of the three-drug operations made in the last few weeks, three are interesting.
Two men and a woman were arrested in Saraburi province by NSB police in the first case.
Ms Suthatta Hongloilom, 25, of Mukdahan, and Mr Kidakarn Pakdee, 26, of Nakhon Phanom, were apprehended with 1.15 tonnes of marijuana. In addition, five mobile phones and two cars were seized.
In this case, police were tipped that a huge amount of marijuana would be smuggled into the inner areas of Bangkok from the northeast. Two suspected vehicles were then spotted travelling from Mukdahan to Saraburi.
NSB chief added that the drugs were found hidden inside the vehicles when police asked to search them at a petrol station in Nong Yao Tambon, Muang District, Saraburi.
Drugs headed abroad
As part of the second case, a team of NBS police and soldiers, as well as customs officials, seized 2.2kg of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside a parcel at DHL Express International Co.’s service centre in Huai Kwang, Bangkok. The suspicious package, destined for the United Arab Emirates, had already been reported to police by DHL staff.
A subsequent X-ray revealed the drugs had been stuffed in two air compressors and six crates of coffee beans.
The third case involved six suspected drug couriers who were caught and 5 million speed pills seized in Ayutthaya, said Pol Lt Gen Sarayut.
On their way to Central Plains dealers, the suspects were caught in Phetchabun province.
A police investigation revealed that the gang had been hired to transport drugs from the northern province of Phayao to the central region.
According to the suspects, a Hmong tribesman hired them for 2.3 million baht to smuggle speed pills from Phayao to Wang Noi district in Ayutthaya. They were planning to deliver them to clients there.
Police Lt Gen Sarayut said the Hmong tribesman was a member of a major drug network in the North, and the investigation would continue.
Source: Bangkok Post
