Loei Police Officer Accused of Assisting Major Drug Network

A police lieutenant colonel in Loei was arrested for allegedly leaking confidential operational plans and information about officers’ movements to a drug trafficking organisation. The investigation developed from the arrests of seven traffickers in Chiang Rai last year, when officials seized more than 523 kilogrammes of ketamine and assets valued above 4 billion baht. Further inquiries led officers to several senior members of the network and allegedly revealed that the policeman helped suspects avoid arrest and legal action. Searches of his home and workplace uncovered assets worth more than 2 million baht, while 75 methamphetamine tablets were reportedly found on his office desk. Ten suspects have now been detained in connection with the network, with investigators continuing to examine its finances and search for additional participants.