Krabi:A major drug dealer known as "Ko Palm" has been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau for orchestrating the transport of 690,000 methamphetamine pills using both private cars and tour buses. The suspect has denied any involvement in the drug operation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirapong, also known as "Ko Palm," aged 34, was apprehended on a bus traveling from Krabi to Bangkok. He was wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit drug-related offenses and selling narcotics without permission. This arrest is linked to a prior incident in August 2016, when a white sedan with Chiang Rai plates evaded a checkpoint and was later found with 291,800 methamphetamine pills. Another case in September saw the seizure of 399,800 pills, with the arrested suspect confessing to being hired by Mr. Jirapong for drug delivery.
During questioning, Mr. Jirapong mentioned having a girlfriend in both Krabi and Chiang Rai provinces. He recounted that his girlfriend from Chiang Rai visited him in Krabi, and they, along with another friend, traveled back to Chiang Rai by bus. They rented a car in Chiang Rai, which the girlfriend drove into the city where she was arrested for drug offenses. Mr. Jirapong denied any knowledge of her actions.
Police remain skeptical of Mr. Jirapong's testimony. An ongoing investigation suggests he hired the female suspect to deliver drugs, arranging transportation via public buses. Background checks revealed that Mr. Jirapong was previously prosecuted in 2019 for drug offenses and sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison by the Krabi Provincial Court.