Major Drug Network Operator and Associates Arrested in Bangkok

Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Division 8 conducted a successful operation to arrest a key figure in a major drug network operator and her associates in the Thonburi area. Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, led the arrest of Phakhamon, also known as Joy, a 49-year-old woman allegedly managing the network. Her associates, Pathomporn and Thanyawat, were also apprehended in Samut Prakan province and Kanchanaburi province. The arrests followed the February 19 detention of Atthaporn, who disclosed that Phakhamon and her husband, Tong, managed the operation.

Key Takeaways:

• Phakhamon, the alleged mastermind behind the operation, was arrested along with her associates, Pathomporn and Thanyawat.
• The suspects were charged with distributing narcotics, including methamphetamine and ice, without authorization, and conspiring to engage in serious drug-related offences.
• Atthaporn, another suspect arrested on February 19, revealed that Phakhamon financed vehicle acquisitions for drug transportation and provided him with 150,000 baht (US$4,595) for the operation.
• Pathomporn and Thanyawat were identified as accomplices in the trafficking operation and received 10,000 baht (US$305) each for their roles.
• The police are still investigating the network for charges of conspiracy and money laundering, coordinating with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board to seize assets and pursue further action.
• Phakhamon allegedly collaborated with her husband, Tong, and people from Myanmar to facilitate drug transportation into Thailand.

Statistics:

• 49-year-old Phakhamon, known as Joy, was arrested for managing the drug network.
• 45-year-old Pathomporn, known to friends as Nueng, was arrested for transporting drugs.
• 29-year-old Thanyawat, also known as Earth, was arrested for scouting police checkpoints and assisting in the operation.
• 509 kilograms of ice and 158 methamphetamine pills were seized during the February 19 arrest of Atthaporn, also known as Kong.
• Phakhamon allegedly provided Atthaporn with 150,000 baht (US$4,595) for the task and received a fee of 50,000 to 80,000 baht (US$1,530 to 2,450) per trip.

Sources:

• "Major drug network operator and associates arrested in Bangkok" by Bangkok Metropolitan Police.