PATTAYA, June 14, 2024 – In a significant crackdown on the local drug trade, Pattaya City Police, led by Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit, and Banglamung District officials, orchestrated a comprehensive operation to dismantle an underground drug network in Jomtien Soi 1-3.
A video of the raid can be seen here on our YouTube channel.
The operation commenced at 3:06 p.m. on June 14th, 2024, when authorities, including Mr. Woraphob Kongthanajarat and Mr. Phonchai Sang-iad, Deputy Chiefs of Banglamung District, along with senior police officers from Pattaya City Police Station, closed off Soi Jomtien 1-3.
The closure facilitated a targeted raid against known drug hotspots, resulting in the detention of 24 individuals found with drugs in their systems.
The decisive action followed numerous reports and complaints from locals and tourists about rampant drug activity within the alleys of Jomtien Soi 1-3. Concerns were raised about the presence of drug users and dealers by local concerned citizens.
In preparation for the raid, an undercover operation was conducted the previous day by the police investigative team, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasitbun Bunprasit. The team successfully infiltrated the drug market, purchasing narcotics from a dealer in Soi Jomtien 3, which led to the identification of one suspect and the seizure of a substantial but undisclosed amount of drug paraphernalia.
Building on the momentum, Pattaya law enforcement officials divided into three teams to shut down and inspect Soi Jomtien 1, 2, and 3 today. They discovered groups of homeless Thai nationals and foreigners residing in an abandoned building, using it as a shelter for drug consumption.
Officers conducted random checks on individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior and performed on-the-spot drug tests. Out of more than 50 people initially investigated, 24 people tested positive for drug use, indicated by purple urine samples. These individuals were taken into custody for further examination before being transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for legal processing.
The exact drug they were positive for however was not revealed to The Pattaya News.
The operation also shed light on the deplorable conditions within the abandoned building, described as dirty, unhygienic, and emitting foul odors, raising concerns about potential health hazards. Authorities found discarded drug paraphernalia and noted structural damage, including numerous holes in the walls, which could serve as hiding spots for illicit substances.
This police initiative marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related issues in Pattaya, with authorities remaining vigilant and committed to maintaining public safety and order.
