5-12-2023 (BANGKOK) A police sting operation in the Yaring district of Pattani resulted in two police officers and a drug suspect being wounded by gunshots from a second suspect on Monday night. The operation, targeting drug trafficking, concluded with the arrest of both suspects and the seizure of 400,000 methamphetamine pills.
Prior to the operation, an undercover police officer had contacted a dealer in Pattani, posing as a customer interested in purchasing 200,000 meth pills. The delivery was arranged to take place on Road 42 in tambon Manangyong on Monday night. As the appointed time arrived, police positioned themselves at the location in anticipation.
Shortly thereafter, two men arrived in a pickup truck to make the drug delivery. One of the suspects exited the vehicle and handed a bag containing 200,000 pills to the undercover officer. Identified as 37-year-old Mahama Wadeng, this suspect was swiftly apprehended by two members of a joint local police-Crime Suppression Division team involved in the operation. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the second suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Sufian Salae, opened fire from the pickup truck. The gunfire struck the two officers, Pol Sgt Maj Yusor Aaedasong and Pol Sgt Surachet Pongsao, as well as Mr. Mahama.
Fortunately, the second suspect was swiftly detained by nearby police who had been strategically positioned. While the two officers sustained minor injuries, the suspect suffered a serious gunshot wound to his back.
Further investigation led to the discovery of an additional 200,000 meth pills inside the vehicle. The police subsequently charged both suspects with illegal possession of drugs with intent to sell, attempted murder, and illegal possession of weapons. They were then handed over to the Yaring police for further legal proceedings.
