Police and local administrative officers in Pathum Thani recently arrested Phiphop, a suspected major methamphetamine dealer, during a major drug bust in the Khlong Luang area. The arrest was made after a large stash of drugs and firearms was discovered in an abandoned car, further implicating the suspect in a broader drug trafficking operation.
The operation was led by Amornritpol Khiaorungphet, the deputy district chief of Khlong Luang, and Nuttanan Nimmnuan, the deputy district chief of Thanyaburi. Their team conducted a thorough search of a blue Chevrolet sedan parked along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok 12 Road in Prachathipat, Thanyaburi district. The search followed an earlier arrest of a drug dealer, which led to the discovery of additional illegal contraband.
Inside the car, the authorities found a significant amount of methamphetamine—11,200 tablets of meth and 10.4 grams of crystal meth—along with two 9mm firearms and a total of 58 rounds of ammunition. These findings suggest that the operation involved not only drug trafficking but also illegal firearms possession.
The arrest stemmed from a tip-off to the Khlong Luang district’s Damrongtham Centre, where residents reported suspicious activities at a house in Moo 5, Khlong Song Road. Allegations of teenagers using drugs at the house prompted local administrative officials and the Thung Luang Task Force to raid the location.
During the raid, Phiphop, a 52-year-old suspect, was apprehended with 71 meth tablets and 6.8 grams of crystal meth in his possession. Further investigation revealed that he had been part of a larger drug trafficking network. The authorities seized his vehicle, which had been used to transport and conceal more drugs. This vehicle contained the larger stash of methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition.
Phiphop confessed during questioning that he had been procuring drugs in batches of 10,000 tablets, each costing between 13,000 and 15,000 baht. The drugs were left by his supplier at predetermined roadside locations for collection. Phiphop would then sell the drugs in smaller quantities to dealers and regular customers at prices ranging from 15,000 to 18,000 baht.
Additionally, it was revealed that Phiphop had previously served two prison terms but had been out for several years. He had been working as an amulet trader in the time since his release, suggesting that he had resumed his illegal activities under the radar.
The arrest of Phiphop is part of a larger effort to dismantle drug trafficking operations in the area. The authorities continue to investigate the network, hoping to trace the source of the drugs and prevent future distribution.
The discovery of firearms along with the drugs highlights the dangerous nature of the operation, further complicating the case. As the investigation continues, Phiphop remains in custody, and law enforcement officials are working to identify additional suspects involved in this illegal enterprise.