Border police in Krabi province announced the arrest of three major drug traffickers, seizing over 200,000 methamphetamine pills and two pickup trucks. The operation took place on February 17, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. local time at Border Patrol Police Company 426, located in the old market area of Krabi Municipality. Mr. Somchai Hanphakdiptam, the Governor of Krabi Province, along with Deputy Police Major General Kittipat Ruenruei, Deputy Commander of Border Patrol Police Company 42, and officials from the Provincial Internal Security Operations Command, jointly held a press conference to announce the significant arrest.
The crackdown targeted a major drug trafficking network operating across three provinces: Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phang Nga. This operation was a result of amendments to the narcotics law, emphasizing rehabilitation for drug users as a primary approach to combat drug trafficking.
The three main suspects apprehended were Mr. Worapon, also known as Nuch, aged 49; Mr. Phairoj, or Mu, aged 39; and Mr. Atiwann, or Om, aged 19. The authorities seized 240,000 methamphetamine pills, two pickup trucks with license plates BP 9258 (Phuket) and PT 1788 (Nakhon Si Thammarat), and three mobile phones during the raid. The arrests and seizures were made at various locations in Krabi Province, including Ban Pokasai and Ban Pa Mai.
Following an investigation led by Deputy Police Major General Kongphop Potsan, the commanding officer of Border Patrol Police Company 426, a plan was devised to apprehend the major traffickers in the region. This led to the arrest of Mr. Phairoj and Mr. Atiwann with 4,000 methamphetamine pills. Subsequently, Mr. Worapon was also apprehended, leading to the discovery of the larger stash of 240,000 pills.
The investigation also revealed the involvement of Mr. Yosawat Phonkeuliong, or Pohn, and Ms. Koonnata Sukchuu, who acted as the main distributors for the group. They would receive the drugs in Lam Taphu Subdistrict, Lam Taphu District, Krabi Province, and then distribute them to smaller-scale traffickers in the three provinces.
