Jomtien – In a major anti-drug operation on Monday evening, local authorities in Banglamung district raided two notorious alleys, Jomtien Sois 2-3, arresting multiple drug dealing suspects and detaining nearly 100 people linked to drug activity following repeated complaints from residents and recent possible links to a daytime drive-by shooting attempt on Jomtien Second Road.
At around 5:30 p.m. on July 13th, 2026, Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong and Banglamung District Chief Anusak Piriyomron ordered a coordinated sweep of Soi Jomtien 2 and Soi Jomtien 3 in Nong Prue subdistrict. The operation, led by District Security Chief Kamphrai Laosan, involved Village Defense Volunteers (Or Sor), district administrative officers, and a special rapid-response team.
Residents had long complained that the sois had become a major open-air drug market, with dealers and users coming and going throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the neighborhood.
The area has been raided multiple times over the past year or so, but unfortunately drug dealers and users continually return to the area despite an increase in regular shops, hotels, and restaurants in the area helping to improve the overall image. Recently, a drive-by shooting attempt on Jomtien Second Road in broad daylight by the busy Rompho morning market witnessed by many tourists and expats was linked to neighbors who lived in the Soi 2-3 area.
Intelligence gathered prior to the raid revealed a steady flow of drug users arriving to buy methamphetamine pills (ya ba) and crystal methamphetamine (ice), with motorcycles and cars constantly entering and exiting the area. The scene resembled a busy “drug flea market,” causing officials to plan a multi-point encirclement to prevent suspects from fleeing.
As officers moved in and identified themselves, chaos erupted. Dealers and users scattered in panic, attempting to escape in all directions. Some familiar with the alleys managed to slip away, but many were quickly cornered and detained.
The first suspect arrested was 21-year-old Woranyu, who was found with 66 methamphetamine pills and 3.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine. During a search of a nearby room, officers discovered another 42 pills believed to have been discarded in an attempt to evade arrest.
Further systematic searches of buildings and rented rooms in both sois uncovered large numbers of male and female drug users, along with scattered drug paraphernalia. While the operation was underway, additional users continued to arrive by motorcycle and car to make purchases, unaware of the police presence, and were detained.
In total, authorities detained 81 individuals who tested positive for drugs in their systems, 57 men and 24 women.
Using information obtained during the initial arrests, officers conducted a follow-up sting and arrested a key dealer, 35-year-old Ailda in nearby Soi Khao Noi. She was found with 5.28 grams of crystal methamphetamine and marked banknotes used in the controlled buy.
All suspects involved in drug distribution, along with seized evidence, were transferred to local police for legal proceedings. Those found with drugs in their bodies will undergo screening and enter government rehabilitation programs aimed at treatment and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
The operation is part of the Thai government’s ongoing policy to suppress drug trafficking and support community safety. Authorities said they will continue expanding the investigation to dismantle larger networks operating in the area.
