A sweeping anti-drug operation in the Jomtien Soi 2 community has resulted in multiple arrests and drug seizures, marking a significant escalation in Pattaya’s ongoing efforts to curb narcotics activity in high-risk zones.
The late-evening raid was led by Deputy Superintendent Arut Saphanont and Deputy Inspector Prasitboon Bunprasit, with key support from the Narcotics Suppression Unit. The team worked in tandem with Banglamung district officials Nathaphop Yomjinda, Tharit Chancharoon, and Natthawat Sophonsewatsilp, operating under the directives of Pattaya City Police Chief Anek Sarathongyoo and Banglamung District Chief Patcharapatch Srithanyanon.
This initiative falls under Thailand’s national anti-drug policy known as “NO Drugs No Dealers,” designed to dismantle drug distribution networks and curb community-level substance abuse.
According to authorities, the operation was triggered by a tip-off regarding local youth suspected of trafficking and distributing narcotics within the Soi 2 neighborhood of Nongprue, Banglamung district. Despite early searches appearing fruitless—possibly due to prior leaks or warnings—officers persisted. A return visit later in the day yielded results.
A total of four suspects were apprehended in possession of illegal substances:
- Nanthasak, also known as Pae, was found with 7.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine and one methamphetamine pill.
- Naphatsakorn, referred to as Ji, had five meth pills and 0.4 grams of crystal meth (commonly referred to as “ice”).
- Pansak, alias San, was found with eight meth pills and 6.3 grams of ice.
- Wuttipong, known as To, was arrested while delivering drugs to Pansak.
The tense atmosphere during the raid was marked by emotional pleas from suspects, including one individual who offered to take full responsibility in exchange for their partner’s release.
Further action was taken with random urine screenings administered throughout the community. These tests identified eight additional individuals who tested positive for drug use, bringing the total number of people taken into custody to twelve.
All detainees were transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for further investigation and prosecution. Law enforcement officials indicated that those who tested positive would undergo mandatory drug rehabilitation programs as part of the legal process, while traffickers would face harsher charges under Thai narcotics law.
Officials emphasized the operation’s alignment with the government’s broader strategy to eliminate narcotics at the community level. A police spokesperson stated, “Jomtien Soi 2 has long been a hotbed for drug activity. We are committed to returning this area to safety and will continue unannounced operations until we achieve that goal.”
Residents of Jomtien Soi 2, a densely populated urban community, have previously expressed concerns about rising drug activity and the associated increase in petty crime and violence. The success of this operation is expected to provide a temporary reprieve, though authorities acknowledged that long-term solutions would require ongoing community engagement and expanded surveillance.
Local leaders vowed to continue coordinated enforcement actions, stressing the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious behavior. Patrols in surrounding zones have already been intensified, and additional raids are expected in the coming weeks.
The NO Drugs No Dealers campaign continues to gain momentum nationwide as law enforcement agencies ramp up suppression efforts, aiming to disrupt both low-level and organized drug networks across Thailand.
