BANGLAMUNG, Chonburi Province –
In an operation aligned with the Thai government’s nationwide campaign to prevent, suppress, and eradicate drug problems, Pattaya investigators joined forces with local administrative officials to dismantle a key narcotics network, resulting in the arrest of a 23-year-old drug dealer and the confiscation of drugs worth millions of baht.
The raid, part of the “Drug Sweeping Operation” initiative, was led by Pol. Col. Anake Sarathongyu, Superintendent of Banglamung Police Station, alongside Mr. Putchara Patchara Sritanyanon, the Banglamung District Chief. Supported by a team of undercover police investigators and district administrative officers, the operation targeted a suspected major distributor operating in the bustling Pattaya area.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Chanyuth, alias “Aun,” Lertsongkram, aged 23, was apprehended at his residence in the Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict. Authorities seized a staggering haul of illegal substances, including approximately 82 grams of ketamine, 1,306 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and 17,000 methamphetamine pills (yaba).According to police reports, investigators had been monitoring Chanyuth’s activities after receiving intelligence that he was a high-level agent distributing narcotics across the region. To build an airtight case, officers deployed an informant to conduct a controlled sting operation. The informant arranged to purchase a bag of ketamine from the suspect, who instructed them to collect the drugs at his home.
Once the transaction was completed— with Chanyuth handing over the ketamine in exchange for cash— undercover officers, who had been lying in wait nearby, swooped in to make the arrest. A search of the property uncovered the additional caches of drugs hidden inside the house, which were promptly seized as evidence.”Chanyuth was a key player in flooding our community with dangerous substances,” Pol. Col. Anake said during a press briefing. “This operation not only disrupts his network but sends a strong message to other traffickers: We will root you out.”
Following his arrest, Chanyuth was interrogated at Banglamung Police Station. He faces multiple serious charges under Thailand’s Narcotics Control Act, including:- Selling and possessing ketamine (a Category 2 psychotropic substance) for commercial purposes without authorization, in a manner that promotes widespread distribution among the public.
– Possessing and distributing Category 1 narcotic drugs— including yabba, ecstasy, ice, and happy water—for commercial intent, facilitating their proliferation in the community.
Prosecutors estimate the street value of the seized drugs at over 10 million baht (approximately $300,000 USD), showing the scale of the operation. Chanyuth has been transferred to the custody of investigating officers for further proceedings, with authorities vowing to pursue his accomplices.
This bust comes amid intensified efforts by Thai law enforcement to curb the resurgence of methamphetamine and synthetic drug trafficking in tourist hotspots like Pattaya. Last month alone, similar operations in Chonburi Province led to over 50 arrests including a historic sized bust in Northern Chonburi at a luxury Thai mansion where drug traffickers using working shrimp trucks to hide their actions were finally caught.
Local officials hailed the raid as a “vital step” in protecting vulnerable communities, particularly youth, from the devastating impacts of drug abuse. “Our approach—police, administration, and intelligence— is proving effective,” Mr. Putchara added. “We remain committed to a drug-free future for Banglamung.”
Investigations continue, with police urging the public to report suspicious activities via the national narcotics hotline. For more on Thailand’s anti-drug initiatives, visit the Office of the Narcotics Control Board website.
