PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities in Banglamung district arrested two alleged drug dealers in separate undercover operations following public tip-offs.
Public tips via Line channel triggered drug raids
Information reached the district administration through the public anti-drug Line account “หักดิบ บางละมุง BROKEN DOWN BANGLAMUNG”, which officials described as a key tool in tackling local narcotics trafficking. A joint task force from the Banglamung district administration, a special anti-drug unit, and the Nongprue and Pattaya police stations carried out the operations under district chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon, supported by senior officers Wanchai Wanlapram and Kamphai Laosarn.
First sting in short-term rental room in Soi Kao Pai
In the first operation, undercover officers posed as buyers and agreed a deal with 27-year-old Aphiradee Tojampa, known locally as “Tom”, to purchase crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”) for 1,000 baht in a short-term rental room in Soi Kao Pai. After the handover, the raid team entered the room and arrested the suspect along with her friend and two other women who were present.
Drugs and marked money seized; all four women tested positive
Officers seized 3.82 grams of crystal methamphetamine, nine Yaba tablets in five small zip-lock bags, various drug paraphernalia and the marked 1,000-baht banknote used in the operation. According to authorities, all four women tested positive for drug use in urine tests.
Second suspect identified after interrogation
During questioning, the first suspect named her alleged supplier as 24-year-old Thanaphon Suraphotha from Sukhothai province. Investigators then quickly organised a second sting, again arranging a 1,000-baht “Ice” purchase through a female undercover officer.
Undercover officer meets supplier in Nongprue room
Thanaphon agreed to meet in a rented room in Soi Phonpraphanimit 7 in the Nongprue area, with plainclothes officers disguising themselves as motorcycle taxi drivers to bring the agent to the location. About 15 minutes after the transaction was completed, the raid team moved in and secured 22 Yaba tablets, two bags containing 3.07 grams and 0.72 grams of crystal methamphetamine, further drug paraphernalia and the marked buy money.
Additional drugs found in purple metal box
The suspect then stated that he stored additional narcotics in his regular apartment. During a follow-up search of Room 140 on the ground floor of a building in Soi Siam Country Club, officers found a purple metal box with a cartoon pattern containing 0.44 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 20 more Yaba tablets and additional drug paraphernalia.
Charges filed as investigators target wider network
Both suspects were charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell and were handed over separately to Nongprue and Pattaya police stations for further legal proceedings. Investigators said they now aimed to dismantle the wider distribution network.
Authorities praise role of residents
District chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon underlined the importance of community cooperation.
“Tips from the community are our strongest weapon against drugs. We follow up on every credible lead – day and night.”
said Patcharapat Sritanyanon, district chief.
Authorities stressed that citizen reports submitted via the Line channel would remain central to future anti-drug operations in the district.