U.S., Thai officials arrest 34 in Pattaya drug sweep

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American drug-control experts assisted Thai police in capturing 34 suspected drug dealers and users in the Pattaya area.

Lt. Gen. Chaiwat Chotima, head of the Office of Narcotics Board and Region 2 commander Lt. Gen. Punya Mamen joined David McConnell, acting assistant director of the American Office of Narcotics Control Board, at the Feb. 17 press conference announcing the arrests.

Police brass hold a press conference to announce the early success of Operation Rattlesnake 2012. Police brass hold a press conference to announce the early success of Operation Rattlesnake 2012.

Dubbed “Operation Rattlesnake 2012,” the Feb. 13-17 drug sweep rounded up dealers on Pattaya Beach and Walking Street. The arrests included eight cases of possession of crystal methamphetamines, 26 cases of dealing marijuana and the arrest of 39 men and five women.

Chaiwat said he hopes interrogation of the suspects will lead to their larger source for the drugs.