A viral gun stunt has exposed a major drug dealer in Phuket, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of drugs, weapons, and cash.
The unusual case began when a video surfaced online on August 27, showing a man firing a pistol in a mangrove forest in Ratsada subdistrict, Mueang Phuket. The man was later identified as 34-year-old Nge Htwe Don, a Burmese national better known by his alias Mr Screw.
The video quickly caught the attention of Phuket police, who launched an urgent investigation under the orders of Pol. Col. Chatri Chukaew, chief of Phuket City Police. Officers used CCTV to track the motorcycle seen in the clip and traced the license plate to a rented room in Soi Yot Sane 1, Chalong subdistrict.
In the early hours of August 29, a team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Kan Aksornthong raided the property. Inside, officers found Mr Screw along with another Myanmar national, 32-year-old Aye Thu. What they discovered shocked even seasoned investigators.
Police seized 22.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), 175 methamphetamine pills, a Noringo pistol with five rounds of 9mm ammunition, three motorcycles, and 107,510 baht in cash.
During questioning, Mr Screw confessed to firing the gun in the forest and admitted the drugs were his. He revealed he had been selling narcotics to fellow Burmese nationals in both Phuket Town and Chalong, using his rented room as a distribution base. He further admitted to purchasing the pistol for protection during his illicit activities.
Both suspects were taken into custody at Phuket City Police Station. They face charges of joint possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, as well as illegal drug use. In addition, Mr Screw has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and remaining in Thailand without legal documentation. The men have since been transferred to Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The case highlights how brazen acts on social media can inadvertently expose criminal networks. What began as a reckless display in a forest ultimately led authorities to dismantle a small but dangerous drug operation.
Phuket police have warned that law enforcement is increasingly monitoring online platforms for signs of illegal behavior. The arrest of Mr Screw stands as a stark reminder that, in today’s digital age, even a moment of showing off can unravel a criminal empire.
