PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities detained 30 alleged drug suspects in large-scale raids across central and northern districts of the city, including a Swiss national and two Laotian citizens.
Apartment house targeted after complaints
The operation by the Bang Lamung District Office on Monday, 26 January, initially focused on the Boom Boom House apartment building in central Pattaya. Residents had repeatedly reported that the property had become a meeting point for drug users and dealers. Local media stated it was already the third drug raid in the same complex, which had been searched twice before over similar allegations.
Undercover operation exposed
Officers first conducted covert surveillance and said they observed illegal drug activity in the building. They then launched an undercover operation in which investigators posed as drug users and attempted to place an order with a suspect inside. According to reports, the alleged dealer recognised the true identity of the undercover officer, prompting police to reveal themselves and immediately start the raid, during which several suspects tried to flee and abandoned drugs and paraphernalia.
Swiss citizen among detained users
During the sweep, police arrested several suspected drug users, including a Swiss national whose name was not released. A rapid urine test confirmed that he had consumed narcotics. Authorities did not disclose which substances were detected, and his case formed part of the wider investigation at the apartment complex.
Methamphetamine and Yaba seized
A detailed search of the second floor led to the arrest of two Thai suspects, identified as the 48‑year‑old Noodeang and the 49‑year‑old Apisak. Officers found 0.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 26 Yaba pills in Noodeang’s possession, while Apisak was allegedly carrying 1 gram of crystal meth and 29 Yaba tablets. Investigators said the quantities suggested small‑scale dealing and consumption within the residential compound.
Second raid in Na Kluea
Authorities then extended the operation to another target in the northern district of Na Kluea. In a rented bedroom in a residential building, they detained two Laotian nationals, described as a couple. The pair were found with 2.38 grams of crystal meth and eight Yaba pills, and further checks showed they were in the country without valid entry documents, leading to their transfer to the immigration office for additional legal procedures.
Thirty suspects and focus on rehabilitation
In total, officials reported 30 detained drug suspects in the coordinated Pattaya raids, part of an ongoing strategy against drug trafficking in residential complexes in the tourist city. According to responsible agencies, all identified drug users were to be placed in a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the Bang Lamung District Office.
“Alongside prosecuting dealers, the main priority should be the treatment of users.”
said investigative authorities, according to information from circles close to the investigation.