Drug Bust in Chon Buri Nets Two Suspects
A rural anti-drug operation in Chon Buri’s Koh Chan district led to the arrest of two suspected drug dealers on Tuesday, July 23, one of whom was discovered hiding in a buffalo shed with methamphetamine pills in his possession. The operation was part of the Ministry of Interior’s intensified “No Drugs – No Dealers” campaign aimed at curbing narcotics distribution across Thailand.
The crackdown, launched at approximately 1:30 p.m., was prompted by numerous community complaints about increasing drug activity in the area. Interior Minister and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai ordered the targeted operation, which was supervised by Chon Buri Governor Thawatchai Srithong.
Koh Chan district chief Kanyakorn Kulphornrat assigned Chief Security Officer Thanawut Sitalakaew to coordinate the raid. Officers from the local police force and the District Volunteer Defence Corps Unit 11 joined the effort to arrest the two suspects believed to be distributing methamphetamine—locally known as Yaba.
The first suspect, 45-year-old Siam Phongsaard, was found in Village 7 inside a buffalo shed attempting to evade detection. Officers caught him with four Yaba pills in his possession, confirming suspicions of his involvement in drug activity.
Just minutes later, law enforcement moved in on their second target, 35-year-old Attapol Duangchuen, at his home in Village 5. A thorough search of the premises led to the discovery of a significantly larger quantity of narcotics: 738 Yaba pills, 1.1 grammes of crystal methamphetamine (also known as “ice”), and two mobile phones believed to be connected to drug transactions.
Both suspects were taken into custody and are expected to face charges under Thailand’s stringent narcotics laws. Preliminary investigations suggest the two were part of a small-scale rural distribution network, although authorities have not ruled out possible connections to larger regional drug operations.
The arrests were met with praise from local residents, many of whom had expressed concern about the growing prevalence of drug use and trafficking in the area. Authorities emphasized that such operations will continue as part of an ongoing campaign to rid Thai communities of illegal drugs.
Speaking after the operation, Chon Buri officials reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach to narcotics. “This is a clear message: no community is too small to be protected,” said a district spokesperson. “We will continue to pursue drug dealers wherever they try to hide.”
The Ministry of Interior’s “No Drugs – No Dealers” campaign is part of a national initiative to restore safety and public confidence in both rural and urban communities. Since its launch, dozens of similar raids have taken place across the country, resulting in hundreds of arrests and the seizure of large amounts of illegal substances.
As the investigation continues, authorities say they are analyzing the suspects’ communication devices to trace possible links to other dealers or suppliers in the region. Further arrests may follow in the coming days.
