Pattaya Couple Caught in Drug Sting, Claims Financial Hardship Led to Trafficking

In a major drug bust, police in Banglamung arrested a husband-and-wife duo accused of distributing illegal narcotics after months of surveillance.

Arrest and Drug Seizure

The suspects, identified as Theerapong Thungsawang (alias “Theer”), 30, and Ice Sungsud, 37, were caught with 1.154 kilograms of methamphetamine (“ice”) and 195 methamphetamine pills (“yaba”). The arrest took place on March 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM, led by Police Colonel Sarawut Nuchanart and a specialized narcotics suppression team from Banglamung Police Station.

Sting Operation Uncovers Drug Trade

Authorities launched the operation after receiving a tip about a couple involved in a drug delivery scheme in Pattaya and Banglamung districts. Police identified Theerapong and Ice as couriers, or “pilots,” responsible for dropping off narcotics at designated locations under orders from a larger drug dealer.

To capture them, police set up a sting operation, arranging to buy 100 grams of methamphetamine near a shopping mall along Sukhumvit Road in Si Racha District. The couple arrived on a black Honda Sumo X motorcycle, dropping the drugs near a utility pole about 500 meters from the mall. As they sped off toward Laem Chabang Road, officers discreetly followed them for 15 kilometers before making the arrest.

At the drop site, police seized 100 grams of methamphetamine, neatly packaged in a clear plastic zip-lock bag.

Search Leads to Bigger Haul

Following the arrest, authorities searched the couple’s rented home in Moo 2, Surasak Subdistrict, where they discovered:

• 1 kilogram of methamphetamine hidden in the bedroom

• 195 yaba pills

• Drug paraphernalia

All items were confiscated, and the suspects were taken to Banglamung Police Station for questioning.

Confession and Motive

During interrogation, Theerapong and Ice admitted to their role as drug couriers, claiming they delivered methamphetamine and yaba five times a day for 500 baht per trip. They said they had been involved in the trade for about a year, mainly serving factory workers and port employees.

The couple cited financial desperation as the reason for their actions. They claimed that after serving time for previous drug-related offenses, they struggled to find legitimate jobs due to their criminal records and age discrimination. Unable to support their family, they returned to drug trafficking.

Legal Consequences and Investigation

Police confirmed that drug tests showed both suspects had methamphetamine in their systems. They now face charges of:

• Possession of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and yaba) with intent to distribute

• Illegal drug use

Authorities confiscated all seized narcotics, valued at over 550,000 baht, and continue to investigate the couple’s drug network to track down the mastermind behind the operation.

Video evidence capturing the couple’s activities, including the drug drop and police pursuit, will be used in court as the case progresses.