Crime Fugitive Drug Suspect Arrested at Hat Yai Airport After 14 Years on the Run

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of CIB.

 

Police have arrested a long-time fugitive wanted on drug trafficking charges, capturing him at Hat Yai International Airport just one year before the statute of limitations on his arrest was due to expire.

 

The suspect, identified only as Mr. Usman, was apprehended by officers from the Marine Police Division under the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) upon his arrival from Malaysia. The arrest was made based on a warrant issued by Pattani Provincial Court in 2011.

 

The case dates back to 2011, when police raided Mr. Usman’s residence in Yaring District, Pattani Province, and discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine. Mr. Usman, the homeowner, managed to evade arrest at the time, reportedly fleeing the country through a natural border crossing.

 

Despite the lengthy passage of time, police efforts to track down the suspect never ceased. Investigators recently learned that Mr. Usman planned to return to Thailand via Hat Yai, prompting a coordinated operation to arrest him upon landing.

 

Authorities have now transferred the suspect to Yaring Police Station in Pattani for further legal proceedings.

 

The successful operation was conducted under the command of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau.

 

The arresting officers included Pol. Sub. Lt. Khunakorn Rattanakom and Pol. Sub. Lt. Aree Mad-den, Deputy Inspectors of Marine Police Station 2, along with other members of the investigative unit.

 

Mr. Usman now faces prosecution for his alleged involvement in one of Pattani’s major drug cases, with authorities determined to bring the full weight of the law upon him.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-07-25

 

 

 

[edwinchester]

Maybe his maths isn't very good.