BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s anti-drug police reported a major nationwide crackdown that led to dozens of arrests and narcotics seizures worth more than one billion baht.
Nationwide raids target organized drug networks
Police operations across the country led to the arrest of multiple dealers and the seizure of drugs valued at over one billion baht (about 25 million euros). Authorities described the actions as a significant blow against organized crime.
Deaf Hungarian woman unwittingly used as cocaine mule
Investigators were particularly shaken by a case in which a Nigerian fraudster posed online as a Korean man and lured a deaf woman from Hungary to Thailand. Under the pretext of a wedding in Belgium, he arranged her travel and hid 5.7 kilograms of cocaine in her luggage, intending to use her as a drug courier.
“This is a particularly despicable crime.”
said a police spokesman.
The woman was rescued and, with support from the Hungarian embassy, was able to return home, while the Nigerian suspect remained in custody.
“Dr. Air” case: 25 further suspects arrested
Police said investigations into notorious psychiatrist Anchulee “Dr. Air” Theerawongpaisal continued with 25 additional suspects detained. Those arrested included doctors, physiotherapists, teachers and dealers who allegedly misused the names of clinics to obtain powerful medications from a state agency.
The drugs were then sold illegally, according to investigators. In connection with this case, authorities had so far seized more than 210,000 pills and assets worth 525 million baht (13 million euros).
Chinese gang sold ketamine vapes in cat food packs
A new trend was uncovered involving a Chinese gang producing and selling so-called “Pod-K” e-cigarettes laced with ketamine. Police carried out raids in Pattaya, Bangkok and Nonthaburi, arresting suspect Liu Yisheng in Pattaya.
Officers reported that ketamine had been hidden in cat food packaging. Sales were allegedly conducted via the Telegram messaging service, and three more Chinese nationals were detained in Bangkok and at a production site in Nonthaburi.
DEA cooperation helps intercept exports abroad
In another operation, Thai authorities worked with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), leading to the arrest of eleven suspects accused of attempting to smuggle psychoactive substances to the US and other countries. Deputy police chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma praised the officers involved.
“These successes are the result of the close cooperation of our agency with international drug investigators.”
said Pol Gen Samran Nualma.
Officials stressed that Thailand was not a safe haven for drug cartels and that the hunt for those directing the networks would continue.