Thai rock singer Patcharapon “Zax” Panpum, former lead vocalist of the band i-Zax, has been arrested on drug possession charges in Bangkok, police confirmed on Tuesday.
The arrest followed an ongoing investigation into a drug syndicate supplying celebrities and high-profile individuals. The operation began after two Thai drug couriers were detained in Nanjing, China, leading authorities to a 43-year-old Thai woman, who was later arrested in Bangkok on March 13. Another woman, 42, was also taken into custody.
Authorities seized a variety of drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, and MDMA, along with drug production equipment, a motorcycle, and 15 bank passbooks linked to the operation.
One of the drug products, “Golden Powder” or “Pink Golden Powder,” was found to be crystal meth mixed with edible gold powder and food coloring, allegedly designed to appeal to wealthy and celebrity clientele.
As police expanded their investigation, Patcharapon “Zax” Panpum was arrested when he arrived to pick up drugs from the dealers. The 47-year-old singer, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with i-Zax, now faces charges of drug possession.
Authorities have identified other individuals linked to the syndicate, and the investigation is ongoing.
