PATHUM THANI, THAILAND – A senior police officer who was meant to hunt criminals ended up behind bars himself after an alleged armed raid on a legal cannabis shop.
Senior officer accused of leading armed robbery
The case centered on Lieutenant Colonel Pongphop Kaewkoon, 47, known as “Captain Khaek“, who was accused of storming a cannabis store with an armed gang. They allegedly made off with a haul of drugs and a large bundle of cash. The incident was described as a major police scandal in Thailand.
Court appearance and immediate suspension
The officer was brought before a judge in handcuffs, wearing a cap pulled low over his face. The accusation was an armed robbery targeting a legal cannabis shop. His own colleagues reacted swiftly, removing him from duty immediately after his arrest.
Alleged fake raid using police credentials
Investigators said the group of officers disguised the raid as an official inspection. Using forged documents, they reportedly gained access to the shop, where staff believed they were facing a routine check. Instead of securing evidence, the men allegedly drew their weapons and headed for the safe.
The method, in which police appeared to use their authority to plunder a business, was reported to have shocked the country. The case raised fears that those meant to guard the law could become some of the “worst gangsters” themselves.
Large haul of cash and cannabis
According to the report, the robbers seized 800,000 baht in cash, about 20,000 euros, along with more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. The operation took place in broad daylight and was described as a large-scale logistical maneuver. The gang fled with the drugs and money loaded into getaway vehicles.
However, they failed to account for surveillance cameras. Police later reconstructed the officers’ escape routes using the recorded footage. The loot remained missing, but the lieutenant colonel ended up in custody.
Officer denies wrongdoing
When questioned, the accused officer rejected all allegations.
“That was a real operation, I did not have a gun with me at all!”
said Pongphop Kaewkoon, accused lieutenant colonel.
Investigators did not believe his account. For them, the case allegedly showed that he had coldly abused his power to enrich himself.
Hunt for accomplices and tip-off source
While the lieutenant colonel remained in detention, the investigation continued at full speed. Officers had already arrested a 24-year-old student who was suspected of providing the tip that led to the raid. Authorities were examining whether the young informant acted as an accomplice to the alleged police gang.
Officials were also probing who else might have been involved. There was suspicion that additional officers could be implicated, and a broader hunt for corrupt colleagues was under way.
Concerns over corruption in the cannabis sector
The case prompted questions about the extent of corruption within the Thai police. It suggested that in the country’s newly liberalized cannabis market, some officers might see major opportunities for illegal gain. The scandal was portrayed as a blow to public trust in the uniform.
Commentators wondered whether this incident was only the tip of the iceberg. The report concluded that confidence in law enforcement was badly shaken, leaving many to ask who would protect citizens from their supposed protectors.