Nine people, including the British manager, were arrested at a newly opened Mabprachan Lake resort when police raided a birthday party and found heroin and a gun.
Damon Wait, 42, the manager of the Sport Lounge at the Ponderosa Resort, was taken into custody June 4 when Banglamung District officials, police and soldiers sealed off and swarmed the 16-room hotel that only celebrated its grand opening May 1.
Officers confiscated 20 boxes of sexual-performance medication and a bag of heroin. Police said Wait confessed the drugs were for his personal use.
A maid, Pailin Sirilert, also was arrested when she was found with methamphetamine tablets. A search of the resort’s office found a 9mm handgun and ammunition.
Authorities said the party was targeted after a local resident arrested on drug charges claimed the drugs were purchased at the resort’s bar. An undercover officer was sent in and determined the dealers were foreigners who are members of a local motorcycle gang.
Pattaya-area authorities earlier this year launched a crackdown on motorcycle gangs following violent incidents involving foreign bikers.
