Prawet:Deputy Commander Jao led a team of undercover police officers in a significant drug raid operation in the Prawet area, following directives from the Commissioner General of Police.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Commissioner Jao spearheaded “Operation Clean Up Social Scum,” which involved officers disguised as garbage collectors infiltrating the area. This strategy allowed them to successfully dismantle a major drug trafficking network. The operation was a concerted effort by the Royal Thai Police, the Narcotics Suppression Center, the Metropolitan Police Bureau, and the Bangkok Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), with coordination from the Governor of Bangkok. The team executed search warrants at five locations in Bangkok and Samut Prakan Province, arresting six suspects and identifying nine drug users.
Among those arrested was the alleged network leader, Mr. Somphop, also known as “Bang Dam,” 38, who was apprehended in Samut Prakan Province. He faces charges related to the sale and distribution of methamphetamine and ketamine, as well as other serious drug-related offenses. His criminal history includes seven prior convictions, ranging from drug possession to attempted murder and rape.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 1,644 methamphetamine pills, 63 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 2.5 grams of ketamine, multiple mobile phones, vehicles, and motorcycles. The investigation had been hindered by the suspect’s elusive nature, but eventually, the police located him through a strategic infiltration approach.
Deputy Commissioner Teeradet Thamsuthee emphasized the complexity of the operation due to the dense and intricate community layout. Despite these challenges, the operation, which took several days to plan and execute, was successful in targeting the drug trafficking hotspots.
The police have expressed the importance of community involvement in combating drug trafficking, urging residents to report any suspicious activities. The authorities continue to pursue further investigations based on the evidence gathered in this operation, aiming to dismantle the entire network.