Banglamung Cracks Down on Drug Networks in Operation BROKEN DOWN
In a sweeping effort to combat narcotics in Pattaya, Banglamung district authorities have launched Operation BROKEN DOWN, targeting drug trafficking and abuse as part of the Ministry of Interior’s aggressive “No Drugs, No Dealers” policy. The operation reflects a growing national urgency to eradicate drugs from communities and strengthen public safety.
Under the directive of Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the operation was spearheaded by District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon and administrative group head Wanchai Wannaphrom, in collaboration with Pattaya City Police. The initiative led to multiple arrests, significant drug seizures, and a clear message to dealers and users alike.
The crackdown began with a tip-off regarding a 30-year-old suspect named Ton, operating from a daily rental building in Soi Arunothai 2. Surveillance confirmed ongoing drug sales, and when officers closed in, Ton attempted to flee—tossing a bag of 67 meth pills (yaba). He was quickly arrested and confessed to selling drugs from rented rooms, often used as sites for consumption.
A full sweep of the building uncovered 14 more individuals, many of whom arrived mid-raid to purchase drugs. A number of rooms contained drug paraphernalia and small drug caches. The arrests highlighted how residential buildings in Pattaya have become informal drug hubs.
Further intelligence led to a sting operation involving Aunt Thueng, a 59-year-old woman believed to be a secondary supplier. Officers posing as buyers purchased crystal meth before raiding her room, discovering 38 yaba pills and 2.47 grams of crystal meth.
Meanwhile, another suspect, Kong, age 25, was caught with nearly a gram of ice and drug tools. These smaller catches, however, led authorities to a bigger player: a woman known as Madam Ying, alleged to be a central figure in the local drug network.
Operating out of a building in Jomtien Soi 2, a notorious drug hotspot, Madam Ying was caught following a sting in which she supplied 191 yaba pills and nearly 10 grams of ice. During the raid, Ton—already arrested once—was reapprehended trying to escape again with 48 more yaba pills.
In a dramatic confrontation, officers were forced to break down the door to Madam Ying’s room after she refused entry. Attempting to flee via ladder, she fell and required medical attention. Inside her room, officers found over 110 yaba pills, more than 9 grams of ice, and 30 sets of drug paraphernalia.
In total, the operation resulted in 29 individuals testing positive for drug use, all of whom were sent for rehabilitation. Key dealers were handed over to investigators along with 406 yaba pills and over 20 grams of methamphetamine.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to rooting out drug activity and building drug-free neighborhoods. Operation BROKEN DOWN is expected to be just one phase in a series of intensified efforts across Banglamung.
