PHAYAO – Local security forces launched a massive coordinated sweep across Phayao province on August 20, targeting illegal substances as part of a strict regional crackdown. A local monk was defrocked and arrested after officers found narcotics hidden inside his temple quarters.
The joint operation brought together administrative officials, police, military personnel, and specialized K-9 units to root out drug distribution. This aggressive campaign follows the government’s ongoing push to secure local communities and eliminate narcotics from public spaces.
Teams fanned out across multiple target zones to execute surprise inspections, focusing heavily on high-risk locations. Authorities aim to disrupt supply chains and offer a path to rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction. The sweeping initiative highlights a zero-tolerance approach by provincial leaders determined to protect residents.
Key Takeaways
- Joint security forces raided 19 strategic locations across Mae Chai district in a coordinated crackdown.
- Officers tested 313 individuals for drug use, discovering three positive results and seizing illegal pills.
- A local monk was defrocked and arrested after officers found narcotics hidden inside his temple quarters.
Law enforcement divided personnel into ten specialized teams to sweep 19 targeted areas throughout Mae Chai district. The operation covered three local government organizations, village leaders across two subdistricts, one educational facility, a local temple, and twelve parcel delivery businesses. Officers inspected delivery hubs closely to prevent traffickers from using shipping services to transport illegal goods.
Massive Drug Testing Leads to Arrests
This multi-agency effort combined the local administration, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, and the specialized “Hong Fah” special operations unit. Officials also deployed K-9 police dogs to sniff out hidden packages and contraband during the site visits. By blanketing the district with inspections, authorities hoped to catch dealers off guard and shut down local supply networks.
During the sweep, officers administered drug tests to 313 people to check for substance involvement. The screenings revealed three individuals with positive results, leading to the seizure of two methamphetamine pills. Two of the positive individuals were immediately sent to official screening channels for medical rehabilitation and support.
The third case involved a 36-year-old monk residing at a temple in Si Thoi subdistrict. When authorities arrived for inspection, the monk locked his door and refused to open it. Officers coordinated with temple committee members to gain entry and subsequently discovered two methamphetamine pills inside the room. The suspect admitted ownership of the pills and confessed to using the drugs before the raid.
Temple Leader Defrocked and Handed Over to Local Police
Officers swiftly removed the suspect from the temple grounds and brought him to Wat Si Bun Chum for formal defrocking. Following this religious dismissal, police charged him with illegal possession and consumption of a category one narcotic. Authorities transported the suspect along with the recovered evidence to the Mae Chai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
This high-profile arrest at a religious site shocked residents and emphasized the reach of the ongoing provincial campaign. Officials stated that the operation aligns directly with the “Protect Phayao City” policy and the broader ninety-day drug suppression strategy. Security agencies plan to continue these rigorous inspections to ensure community safety throughout the region.
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