PATTAYA, Thailand – Local administrative officers Banglamung District arrested a 24-year-old woman with a significant quantity of illegal drugs before expanding the investigation to capture two additional suspects in related operations.
District Chief Anusak Piriya-amorn ordered a narcotics suppression operation on March 25, assigning security chief Khamphrai Laosane and administrative officers to target drug activity in the district, aiming to prevent the spread of narcotics in communities and among youth.
Authorities launched surveillance after receiving complaints from residents about suspected drug activity in the Jomtien area. Officers monitored a daily rental property on Jomtien Road where people were reportedly entering and leaving in suspicious patterns.
A woman later identified as Anongnat Chaiyata, 24, drew the attention of officers due to her suspicious behavior. During a search, officials discovered a black plastic packet containing 100 methamphetamine pills and 11.17 grams of crystal meth hidden in her pocket.
Investigators then searched a fourth-floor room at the property, where a man and woman were found inside. Additional drugs were seized, including 107 methamphetamine pills, powdered methamphetamine, and five bags of crystal meth weighing 6.64 grams. The suspects allegedly admitted they were preparing to deliver the drugs to the owner before being intercepted.
Authorities later conducted a sting operation in the Naklua area, arresting Chatri Rangapbai with 20 methamphetamine pills and 0.39 grams of crystal meth, along with marked cash used in the undercover purchase.
In another undercover operation, officers arrested Pichet Saratham at a rental room along South Pattaya Road, seizing 2.9 grams of crystal meth and additional marked currency.
In total, authorities arrested three suspects and seized 227 methamphetamine pills and 21.26 grams of crystal meth. All suspects and evidence were handed over to investigators in the respective jurisdictions for legal proceedings.
