Phuket Drug Bust: Suspect Arrested in Underwear with 3,500 Meth Pills
In a dramatic pre-dawn raid, Phuket police arrested a suspected drug dealer in his boxers after uncovering a massive stash of more than 3,500 methamphetamine pills hidden in his home. The operation, part of the island’s intensified crackdown on narcotics, highlights Thailand’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
Early Morning Raid in Thalang
The bust took place in the early hours of July 21 in Thepkrasattri, Thalang district. A joint task force—comprising provincial officers, security personnel, and anti-narcotics volunteers—stormed the suspect’s residence at 2:06 AM. The operation was led by Chaiporn Yangchin from the Narcotics Control Board.
Inside the home, officers found a man identified only as “Mr A” and seized 3,592 methamphetamine pills, locally known as Yaba (crazy medicine). The suspect was caught off guard, still in his underwear, and taken into custody. Police charged him with possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell and unauthorized drug use. Authorities suspect he may be linked to a larger drug network operating in Phuket.
Phuket’s White Interior Campaign
The arrest aligns with Phuket’s White Interior initiative, which aims to eradicate drugs through aggressive enforcement and community surveillance. Following the raid, Mr. A and the seized drugs were transported to Thalang Police Station for legal processing.
Later that day, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat reinforced the island’s zero-tolerance stance at a high-level Police Administration Commission meeting. He emphasized the “No Drugs, No Dealers” policy, urging public cooperation in combating narcotics.
“The fight against drugs cannot be won by police alone,” Governor Sophon stated. “We must empower communities to take an active role in prevention and monitoring.”
Strengthening Community Policing
The meeting also addressed strategies to enhance transparency in law enforcement and improve coordination between police, local officials, and residents. The long-term goal is to disrupt drug supply chains and foster safer, drug-free neighborhoods through grassroots efforts.
Phuket’s latest bust underscores the persistent challenge of methamphetamine trafficking in Thailand. With authorities ramping up raids and community engagement, the island hopes to curb the spread of narcotics and protect its communities.
As investigations continue, police are probing potential connections between Mr. A and broader drug syndicates. For now, the arrest sends a strong message: Phuket remains relentless in its war on drugs.
