Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a determined move against organised crime, Thai police have launched a major operation to dismantle a sprawling narcotics syndicate active from the south to the north of the country. Dubbed "Take Down Mafia: Shutting Down the Secret Drug Route," the operation has already led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of assets exceeding 8 million baht (around £183,000).

 

This coordinated effort, spearheaded by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), focused on strategic locations in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, and Chiang Mai.

 

The arrested individuals include 44-year-old Thawatchai, 42-year-old Suhaimee, and 32-year-old Kasamee, all wanted for conspiracy to distribute Category 1 narcotics and their roles in an organised drug trafficking network. Two additional suspects, 48-year-old Kornwirat and 45-year-old Witthawat, were apprehended during the raids.

 

Authorities seized assets estimated at over 8 million baht, including properties, vehicles, gold jewellery, designer handbags, amulets, a firearm, a MacBook, and approximately 61,000 baht (about £1,380) in cash. These items are believed to be linked to their illicit drug activities.

 

This crackdown follows a dramatic undercover sting in December 2023 in Pattani province. Officers had arranged a purchase of 392,000 methamphetamine pills. However, the operation turned violent when the suspects opened fire on the police, injuring two officers and resulting in a shootout. One gang member was injured and captured, while others orchestrated a hasty escape.

 

Subsequent investigations uncovered the gang's intricate operations, with Thawatchai—also known as Chai—emerging as a central figure. He reportedly financed activities in the southern regions, acquiring drugs from northern networks and utilising couriers and trucks for transportation. Once in the south, the drugs were distributed to local dealers, solidifying their reach.

 

Police Major General Wittaya shed light on Thawatchai's influence, stating that he had used proceeds from the drug trade to gain significant local power. Not only did he run for village chief, but he also cultivated ties with local politicians in Nakhon Si Thammarat and recruited personal bodyguards to cement his authority.

 

"This was more than just a drug dealer operation," Wittaya emphasised. "Thawatchai was constructing a criminal empire. Unchecked, it posed a severe social threat."

 

Currently, all five suspects are in custody. While Thawatchai, Suhaimee, and Kasamee have denied the charges, Kornwirat and Witthawat have confessed to illegal firearm possession. The case now progresses under the watchful eye of the CSD’s Investigation Division 6, with anticipation of further developments.

 

The police have signalled that the crackdown is far from over, with more arrests expected as the investigation widens. This ongoing effort highlights the committed stance of Thai law enforcement against drug trafficking networks seeking to encroach on public safety.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-29

 

 

with weed taken off the bust list its good to see BiB proactive with narcotics