BANGKOK, May 16 — Eight drug suspects, including members of a Malaysian transnational drug ring, were arrested with about 65 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice, were confiscated in two separate cases, according to Thai police.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrung on Wednesday chaired a news briefing at the Royal Thai Police headquarters about the two arrests and illicit drug seizures following the drug sweeping operations by officials of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and police of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau.
A combined force of drugs police and the narcotics control board apprehended six Malaysians suspected of being part of a Malaysian transnational drug syndicate. The suspects detained at a house in Hat Yai include Abdul Rahim Bin Kassim, Sahat Bin Kassim, Salawati Binti Wagiyoh, Norzawati Binti Ramli and two other Malaysian men.
Twenty six kilos of crystal meth, 22 grammes of heroin, Bt 5 million in cash, Malaysian ringgit cash equivalent to about 770,000 baht and other assets were impounded in the arrest.
Earlier, Malaysian authorities coordinated with Thai officials to monitor the moves of the drug ring, police said. The detention came after the police learned that the syndicate arranged an appointment to check the illicit drugs at the place in Hat Yai.
The Malaysians entered southern Thailand to smuggle the drugs, sent from northern Thailand, to sell to their customers in Malaysia.
Responding to the drug seizure, the police planned further arrests of suspects related to the case.
In another drug case, Sutat Suay-ye and Bundit Hathaiworakarn were nabbed with 38.9 kg of ice and 40,000 methamphetamine pills.
Initial investigation showed that Mr Bundit hired Mr Sutat for Bt100,000-150,000 each time to pick up and deliver the drugs.
From Sept 11, 2011 through May 15, the Thai authorities handled 244,000 drug cases with 235,000 suspects and assets valued at some Bt1 billion, police said.
