Two Thai police officers have been arrested for their alleged role in a major drug trafficking network, following a large-scale operation that uncovered money laundering activities and led to the seizure of assets worth more than 35 million baht.
The crackdown, led by Police Lieutenant General Santi Chaiyanirami, Commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, Commander of Provincial Police Region 1, targeted individuals suspected of concealing or transferring drug money to obscure its illegal origins.
Among those arrested were Lieutenant Colonel Weerakan, Deputy Inspector of Pathum Thani Provincial Police Investigation, and Sergeant Major Yuranan, a squad leader from the same unit. Both officers now face money laundering charges for allegedly moving illicit funds and helping shield others in the network from legal consequences.
Authorities confirmed that assets linked to the drug network were seized in two phases. The first phase amounted to 11.42 million baht, while the second seizure totaled 23.79 million baht. Together, the operations froze and confiscated property worth 35.2 million baht.
The investigation stemmed from an earlier operation on January 19, when the Narcotics Suppression Bureau Division 2, working with the Border Patrol Police Bureau, intercepted a white Isuzu MU-X vehicle in Mueang Nakhon Pathom district. Inside, officers discovered three million methamphetamine pills hidden in compartments, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Gatakorn and Patra, who were linked to a key figure in the network identified as Theerayut, also known by the alias “Beer.”
Authorities said Theerayut served as the mastermind of the group, while another suspect, Wongkorn, managed drug smuggling operations across the border. Both men remain fugitives. However, subsequent investigation resulted in additional arrest warrants, with three more suspects — Panya, Anjumani, and Pattharaphong — taken into custody on February 10 under court-issued orders.
The financial probe into the network revealed an extensive laundering operation, with funds being transferred through various channels to conceal their drug-related origins. Investigators identified Kritsada and Surasak as key facilitators in the laundering process. Their arrests provided further evidence of the financial structures sustaining the trafficking group.
Critically, the inquiry uncovered evidence of police officers directly benefiting from the operation. Investigators found that some officers had withdrawn cash directly from bank accounts tied to the drug trade. This evidence proved crucial in securing arrest warrants for Lieutenant Colonel Weerakan and Sergeant Major Yuranan, exposing deep-rooted corruption within the force.
The arrests underscore the scope of Thailand’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the challenges posed when law enforcement officers themselves are implicated. Authorities have pledged to continue pursuing both the fugitives and the financial networks that enable drug operations to thrive.
With 35.2 million baht in assets seized and multiple high-level arrests made, the operation represents one of the most significant moves yet in dismantling a powerful trafficking syndicate. Officials emphasized that efforts are ongoing to track down Theerayut and Wongkorn, whose capture remains a top priority.
