Mongkol Seangthong
disguised himself as a monk in order to sell drugs.
Patcharapol Panrak
Sattahip police arrested a monk who allegedly had been selling drugs
for four years from a temple in Najomtien.
National Command Center for Drugs officers cuffed Mongkol Seangthong,
32, following a sting operation Jan. 22 at the Sapsomboon Temple.
Sattahip District Chief Phawat Lertmukda said authorities received
reports from residents about the inappropriate habits of the monk,
claiming youngsters came to buy drugs at the temple day and night.
Officers used a man recently busted for drug possession to set up the
monk, who went by the name Mongkol Piyaseelo. Officers swooped in once
the 750-baht purchase of three methamphetamine pills concluded.
Police said Mongkol confessed to dealing drugs from the temple for four
years. He said he’d been arrested for drug dealing and use four times,
but remained heavily addicted to speed, requiring him to take 10 ya ba
tablets a day.
The monk told police he obtained the drugs from his brother and also
distributed tablets to another monk, Ko, from Wat Khaokhantamat temple
in Sattahip District. Police are now preparing to arrest both of
Mongkol’s alleged partners.
