Police have arrested 11 drug suspects and seized almost 200,000 speed pills and their assets worth more than 100 million baht, in a new government crackdown on drugs.
Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) police said Sunday nine drug suspects were arrested last week, while another two were arrested yesterday. Pol Maj Gen Sompong Chingduang, NSB deputy chief, said the government had launched a fresh campaign against drugs, targeting 38 major drug dealers in 46 drug-ridden areas nationwide.
In Bangkok yesterday, police arrested alleged drug dealers Sarocha Ruang-Urai, 28, at Kunalai Village in Bang Khunthian, and Pipat Tham-in, 34, at Signature Village in Bang Kae district. A land deed, a car, a condominium unit, and a motorcycle belonging to the suspects were all seized, said the deputy chief.
The arrests came after police followed the money trail of a drug suspect caught in January, and discovered he had transferred money to Ms Sarocha's and Mr Pipat's bank accounts.
On Friday, Chiang Mai police arrested three men in Mae Rim district in possession of 5kg of crystal ice and 60,000 methamphetamine pills, which were seized as evidence. On the same day, police nabbed Yorla Saekhla in Chiang Dao district, who was found to have 10kg of crystal ice in his possession, they said.
NSB police also arrested drugs suspects Ekkachai Phukaew, Piyaphong Phukaew and Sundusit Cheochatwongsa, on warrants issued in March. They did not say where the arrests were made.
In Chumsaeng district, Nakhon Sawan, police confiscated a sack containing 96,000 methamphetamine pills. No arrests were made. In Rattaphum district, Songkhla, NSB police arrested Dao Suwanroj, 35, and seized 90,000 methamphetamine pills and firearms in his possession.
In Si Sakhon district, Narathiwat, police apprehended Peeralee Seumae, and also seized 70 speed pills and five guns as evidence.