PHUKET, THAILAND – Police in Thalang carried out two coordinated raids that led to three arrests and the seizure of nearly 2,000 methamphetamine pills and crystal meth.
Solo suspect arrested in Thepkrasatri raid
Under the command of Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha, an investigative team moved in on Moo 4 in Thepkrasatri, targeting 38-year-old Rewat “Toey” Prateep Na Thalang. Officers detained him in front of his house before searching the property. They reported finding evidence inside the residence.
According to police, the search yielded 800 Ya Bah (methamphetamine) pills, 2.2 grams of crystal meth (Ya Ice), a digital scale, drug paraphernalia and a mobile phone. Rewat was accused of possessing Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell.
Alleged commercial dealing and North Phuket networks
The case was treated as an offence on a commercial scale, which authorities said contributed to the spread of drugs in the community. Investigators believed he had been active as a dealer.
“The arrest is part of our ongoing operations to dismantle distribution networks in northern Phuket.”
said a police spokesman.
Couple detained in Srisoonthorn operation
In a separate but simultaneous action, officers conducted a raid in Moo 5, Srisoonthorn, focusing on a residential property. There, police arrested a 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman living as a couple. A subsequent search of the house followed.
Officers reported an even larger haul: 1,152 Ya Bah pills, another digital scale and two packs of plastic bags for repackaging. The pair were charged with joint possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, also classified as commercially motivated.
Authorities target public drug circulation
Police said the quantity of pills seized in Srisoonthorn indicated a distribution operation of some significance. They stressed that such actions were aimed directly at curbing the spread of drugs in public spaces.
“These operations are specifically designed to reduce the circulation of drugs among the public.”
said police officials.
Impact on Phuket’s image and drug supply
In total, officers in Thalang secured almost 2,000 drug pills and crystal meth in a single day, which they described as a notable success. Authorities said these quantities would now not reach the streets or be sold to youths and dependent users, calling it a direct blow to supply.
The tourism province of Phuket had long struggled with an image problem linked to drug-related crime. Police argued that visible results from such raids were important for the overall sense of safety.
High demand and ongoing pressure on dealers
Experts nonetheless cautioned that the broader struggle was far from over, noting that new dealer networks often emerged quickly when others were dismantled. Demand for cheap drugs like Ya Bah was described as remaining high. Police announced they intended to keep strong pressure on the local scene.
Public urged to help fight drug trade
Residents were called on to report suspicious activities to the authorities.
“Only together can the community be protected from the danger posed by drugs.”
said police representatives. Officials continued to question whether repeated major seizures and arrests would deliver lasting impact, even as they highlighted the latest raids as a significant strike against local networks.