PATTAYA, June 14, 2024 – Pattaya City Police, under the command of Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit, in collaboration with officials from Banglamung District, executed a significant operation targeting the underground drug trade in Jomtien Sois 1-3. The coordinated effort began at 3:06 p.m., strategically blocking off access to the targeted areas to conduct thorough searches and apprehend suspects.
The operation was prompted by escalating concerns from local residents and tourists alike, who had reported a surge in drug-related activities in the narrow alleys of Jomtien Soi 1-3. Authorities, including Mr. Woraphob Kongthanajarat and Mr. Phonchai Sang-iad, Deputy Chiefs of Banglamung District, joined senior officers from Pattaya City Police Station to execute the raid effectively.
Preceding the crackdown, an undercover operation led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasitbun Bunprasit was conducted to gather intelligence. During this phase, undercover agents successfully made purchases from a known drug dealer operating within Soi Jomtien 3. This led to the identification of suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of drug paraphernalia, laying the groundwork for subsequent enforcement actions.
On the day of the raid, Pattaya law enforcement divided into multiple teams to thoroughly sweep through Soi Jomtien 1, 2, and 3. The operation revealed groups of homeless individuals, both Thai nationals and foreigners, utilizing abandoned structures for drug consumption. Officers conducted rigorous spot checks and administered drug tests on individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior, ultimately leading to the detention of 24 individuals who tested positive for drug use based on onsite urine tests.
The arrests underscored the severity of the drug problem in the area, with authorities refraining from disclosing specific substances detected during the operation. The suspects were swiftly transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal processing.
Furthermore, the raid exposed the dire conditions within the abandoned buildings, characterized by unsanitary living conditions and structural deficiencies conducive to criminal activities. Authorities documented the presence of discarded drug paraphernalia and structural damage, highlighting potential health hazards and reinforcing the need for concerted efforts to restore public safety.
The successful operation represents a pivotal step in Pattaya’s ongoing campaign against drug-related offenses. Authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the community, with continued vigilance against illicit activities and proactive measures to uphold law and order.
Credit: The Pattaya News
