PATTAYA, Thailand – Thai authorities arrested a 42-year-old American man after discovering a hidden drug laboratory inside a house in Nongprue, Banglamung, and seized MDMA, ketamine and equipment allegedly used to mix and package drugs. Immigration Police investigators and officers from the Consumer Protection Police searched the property on September 25 under a Pattaya Provincial Court warrant.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Liu, an American citizen of Chinese descent, was found at the house and identified himself as a resident. Officers discovered a concealed room with sealed windows that had been converted into what authorities described as a drug-mixing laboratory. Inside, investigators found suspected drug substances and 27 items of equipment, including digital scales, an aluminium mortar and pestle, a heat-sealing machine, measuring equipment, beakers, syringes and numerous small plastic bags.
Authorities also found ingredients including caffeine, glucose, sucralose, pineapple flavoring, coffee powder and milk flavoring, which they said could be used to mix or disguise drugs in forms resembling sweets or drinks. More than 60 grams of suspected MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, was found in the house, including in a sink behind the kitchen and inside a bedroom safe. Preliminary chemical testing indicated that the total amount of suspected narcotics and related substances seized from the property exceeded half a kilogram.
Police also examined the suspect’s mobile phone and found what they described as mixing formulas listing MDMA, ketamine and caffeine quantities, along with names and addresses of recipients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Authorities said they will investigate possible links to a wider domestic and international network. Liu was charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic, MDMA, for sale with commercial intent, unauthorized possession of Category 2 psychotropic substance ketamine, and unauthorized use of methamphetamine.
During the arrest, Liu reportedly admitted that the seized items belonged to him but claimed they were for personal use and not for sale. Police said the evidence and quantity seized led them to believe the drugs may have been intended for distribution. The suspect and seized evidence were handed over to Nongprue Police Station investigators for legal proceedings. (TNA)
