The Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has seized over 66 million baht (US$1.9 million) of assets and arrested 4 people in Northern Thailand linked to a transnational drug syndicate in Myanmar’s Shan State.
Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Col. Thawee Sodsong told a press briefing that the seizure and arrests come after a Lt. Col. Ja Lo Bo, former deputy commander of the 171st Military Control Command of the Southern Wa State (UWSA), and Mr. Wira Muenjada who were arrested in March 2024, with 309 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 230 kg of heroin.
Pol. Lt. Col. Thawee said from that arrest ONCB investigator were able to track down associates of Lt. Col. Ja Lo Bo which lead to arrest warrants being issued by the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Provincial Courts.
He said armed with arrest warrants ONCB officials along with Provincial and local police 4 people were arrested, one of whom is the brother of a provincial assemblyman in the border district of Chiang Mai.
The taskforce raided properties in Mueang Chiang Rai District, Mae Lao District, Chiang Rai, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Fang District, Mae Ai District, Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai Province.
They seized assets related to drug offenses, including 20 real estate plots worth approximately 61,450,000 baht, 16 bank accounts worth approximately 472,000 baht, 6 vehicles worth approximately 3 million baht, cash worth approximately 210,000 baht, 7 gold items worth approximately 570,000 baht, 10 other assets worth approximately 400,000 baht, total value 66,102,000 baht.
Pol. Lt. Col. Thawee, also mentioned the ONCB is working closely with ASEAN countries, and China, to jointly suppress drugs, and takedown drug manufacturers and distributors. Drug enforcement agencies in all the countries are working to track down these individuals and bring them to justice.
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