PATTAYA, THAILAND — Police and district officials in Banglamung seized more than 10 million baht worth of drugs on Wednesday in what senior officers called one of the largest local operations of recent months.
Coordinated Raid in Nong Pla Lai
Under the command of Pol. Col. Anake Sarathongyu, head of the Banglamung Police Station, and District Chief Putchara Patchara Sritanyanon, investigators arrested 23‑year‑old Chanyuth Lertsongkram, known as Aun, at his home in Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict. On-site officers catalogued 1,306 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 82 grams of ketamine, and 17,000 tablets of methamphetamine (Yaba) during the search conducted at 09:30 on Tuesday morning. Officials estimated the street value at over 10 million baht, equivalent to about 300,000 US dollars.
Surveillance and Controlled Purchase
According to Pol. Col. Anake, the suspect had been under observation for several months following multiple intelligence tips linking him to a regional distribution network in Chonburi Province. To secure evidence admissible in court, investigators deployed a confidential informant who conducted a controlled test purchase of ketamine at the suspect’s residence. Moments after Chanyuth handed over the drugs, undercover officers stormed the property and arrested him without resistance. A detailed inventory of narcotics was later logged and sealed at the Banglamung Police Station.
Statements from Commanders
During a press briefing at Banglamung District Office, Pol. Col. Anake stated, “CHANYUTH WAS A KEY FIGURE IN DISTRIBUTING DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES IN OUR COMMUNITY.” He added that the success “SENDS A CLEAR SIGNAL — WE WILL FIND AND PROSECUTE EVERY DEALER.”
District Chief Putchara Patchara Sritanyanon emphasised that joint operations by police, administration, and intelligence networks “PROVE THAT OUR COORDINATION IS EFFECTIVE AND THAT WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO A DRUG‑FREE FUTURE.”
Legal Process and Ongoing Investigations
Police filings under the Narcotics Control Act accuse Chanyuth Lertsongkram of possessing and selling Category 1 and 2 drugs, including Yaba, Ketamine, and Methamphetamine, on a commercial scale. He remains in police custody pending court proceedings while investigators trace suppliers and client networks.
Between March and May 2024, anti-narcotics campaigns in Chonburi Province produced over 50 arrests and dismantled a synthetic drug laboratory uncovered in a luxury villa near the provincial coastline.
Broader Drug Crackdown
The Thai government’s national anti-drug campaign, coordinated with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, expanded patrols in tourism hubs such as Pattaya City after repeated seizures of synthetic drugs aimed at young consumers. Officials urged residents to report suspicious dealings through the Narcotics Hotline 1386 and confirmed that future operations will target remaining networks linked to cross‑border supply chains.
Community Warnings and Safety Measures
Authorities issued key recommendations following the Pattaya operation:
– Report drug-related activity via the ONCB official website or hotline within 24 hours of observation.
– Support community drug‑prevention seminars organised weekly by the Banglamung Administrative Office.
– Strengthen youth outreach programmes in areas with multiple tourist bars and guesthouses.
Pol. Col. Anake Sarathongyu concluded on Wednesday, 20 June 2024, that further raids are being prepared in collaboration with Chonburi Provincial Police, stating, “ANYONE WHO PROFITS FROM DRUGS WILL FACE JUSTICE UNDER THE FULL EXTENT OF THAI LAW.”