Songkhla:Police have successfully dismantled a drug trafficking gang, seizing nearly 2.6 million methamphetamine pills and firearms in the process. The operation was conducted as the gang attempted to transport the drugs to Ratchaburi province for distribution in the southern region.
According to Thai News Agency, the Border Patrol Police Unit 437 in Songkhla teamed up with the Narcotics Suppression Unit of Muang Ek to carry out the raid. They intercepted a pickup truck with Nakhon Si Thammarat license plates, which was being used to transport the methamphetamine. The raid was prompted by a tip-off about a large shipment moving from central Thailand to the south. The authorities had been tracking the vehicle from Bang Plama District in Suphan Buri Province to a house in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province.
During the operation, officers arrested Mr. Sittidech, 26, from Nakhon Si Thammarat province, and his girlfriend, Ms. Thidarat, 30, from Phatthalung province. The investigation revealed six sacks of methamphetamine in the truck and an additional nine sacks stored inside the house, totaling 2,566,000 pills valued at over 51 million baht. The search also uncovered a 9mm pistol, an 11mm pistol, 29 rounds of 11mm ammunition, and two gun holsters.
Mr. Sittidech admitted to acquiring the methamphetamine from Ang Thong province through a contact on Line, using frequently changing pickup locations. He stored the drugs at his house before forwarding them to the south. The police are holding both suspects for further investigation into the drug network's operations.
Charges have been filed against Mr. Sittidech for conspiracy to sell narcotics, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of a firearm part for which a license cannot be issued, and possession of military equipment without permission. Ms. Thidarat faces a charge of conspiracy to sell Category 1 narcotics.