29-11-2023 (BANGKOK) In a significant operation, police have apprehended the leader of a drug network and seven of his associates in Pathum Thani and Yala provinces, resulting in the seizure of assets valued at nearly 100 million baht. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhob Bhuridej, the chief of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), made the announcement on Wednesday, shedding light on the details of the arrests.
The alleged mastermind behind the criminal organization, 32-year-old Charoen Rattanawan, also known as Jack Sam Mor, was captured along with the seven other suspects during coordinated raids at six locations in Pathum Thani and one in Yala on Tuesday. Arrest warrants had been issued by the Yala Provincial Court, charging the individuals with aiding and abetting drug trafficking and engaging in money laundering, according to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhob.
During the well-executed operations, law enforcement seized a substantial amount of evidence. This included 80,000 methamphetamine pills, nine firearms, including military-grade weapons, and 262 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, assets worth nearly 100 million baht were impounded for further investigation. These assets encompassed apartments, a car garage, 27 cars, and three motorcycles, as revealed by Pol Lt Gen Jirabhob.
The modus operandi of the alleged drug network involved opening bank accounts under the direction of Mr. Charoen, who orchestrated money transfers related to the drug trade. The illicit funds were then redirected to other accounts belonging to network members. The suspects allegedly dispatched drug parcels to customers through private logistics companies.
Pol Col Pongpanot Chukaew, the commander of Crime Suppression Division (CSD) sub-division 6, disclosed that Mr. Charoen and his associates had relocated to Pathum Thani province and established various businesses, including apartments for rent, a garage specializing in racing cars, and a marijuana café, all acting as fronts for their illegal drug operations. Additionally, the gang was involved in the sale of illicit vehicles.
Over the years, the suspects had rented multiple apartment units in nearby areas to store illegal drugs prior to distribution. Pol Col Pongpanot stated that the group had amassed assets worth approximately 100 million baht through the profits generated from their illicit drug trade.
Following questioning, all the suspects confessed to the charges levied against them. They were subsequently handed over to CSD investigators to proceed with legal proceedings.
