In a dramatic turn of events, a notorious drug gang member has been taken into custody following a protracted investigation. Throngs of officers have seized a stunning cache of illicit substances, including nearly half a million methamphetamine pills, alongside 2 kilograms of other potent drugs. This arrest—occurring today, May 7th, at the break of dawn—took place in the bustling Khlong Sam Wa district of Bangkok. Spearheading this high-stakes operation were none other than Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Major General Nopasilp Punsawat, and Major General Phallop Aeromla. Under the pointed guidance of Police Colonel Somphoch Thongmoon, Police Lieutenant Chananthat Kaewthong led the investigative team from Min Buri Police Station in targeting a key suspect.
The target of their extensive surveillance was Apivat, a 27-year-old also known by the moniker Fluke. This elusive figure had been identified as a cornerstone of the gang, primarily responsible for orchestrating the storage and distribution of vast quantities of narcotics. With a penchant for using a car to procure drugs and a motorcycle to disperses them incognito, Apivat skillfully avoided legitimate employment, living in the shadows.
As May 5th unfurled, the diligent Min Buri team confirmed that Apivat had gathered several sacks brimming with methamphetamine. Acting on this crucial tip-off, a comprehensive plan to intercept and neutralize the public dissemination of these drugs was swiftly hatched and enacted. Upon successfully apprehending Apivat, the authorities wasted no time in unraveling the intricate connections within this criminal web. A significant breakthrough came when an account on Line, bearing the alias ‘Henry’—recognized as Apivat’s superior—contacted him, imparting instructions to shift the drug storage. Consequently, another account named ‘Light of day’ was orchestrated to retrieve the illicit stash from Apivat.
Yesterday marked another decisive maneuver by the Min Buri contingent, poised to swoop down on gang members engaged in drug retrieval. The character known as ‘Light of day’ was traced to a predetermined meeting point, operating with two vehicles in tow: a car helmed by 33-year-old Sutee, notorious as Kong, and a closed pickup driven by 36-year-old Panupong, alias Bank, while 34-year-old Sarayut, referred to as Nut, was along for the ride. The pickup was the designated vehicle for loading the contraband, all while Sutee orchestrated the happenings from his car. As law enforcement made their decisive move, Sutee attempted a daring escape, jeopardizing officers in his path. The authorities were compelled to resort to smashing the vehicle’s window, thwarting his getaway. All three individuals were apprehended and elaborated on their roles, revealing that they were hired by the enigma known as Boonyaraksa to ferry drugs on numerous occasions. Payment hinged on the vehicle used: 10,000 baht (approximately US$305 per vehicle), with Panupong and Sarayut splitting 5,000 baht (around US$150) each, while Sutee pocketed 10,000 baht.
As the legal proceedings unfurl, Apivat, Sutee, Panupong, and Sarayut have been slapped with charges of drug trafficking involving Category 1 substances such as methamphetamine and ice, as well as Category 2 substances like ketamine, with malicious intent to distribute. These activities not only jeopardize public safety but also strike a blow to national security. The confounded drugs have been dispatched to investigators at Nimit Mai Police Station, where the wheels of justice are set to turn, reports KhaoSod. Meanwhile, the streets of Bangkok and the broader nation breathe a sigh of relief as a significant threat to public health and safety has been dismantled.
Great that they’ve caught ‘Fluke’, but with so many people involved, shouldn’t there be a focus on rehab over incarceration?
Rehab for such large scale traffickers? That’s soft. They know what they’re doing.
It’s not being soft, it’s being realistic. While they’re in jail, what are we doing to stop new ones from popping up?
I understand the desire for punishment, but until we address why people enter the drug trade, we’re on a hamster wheel.
Amazing police work! This makes me feel a bit safer walking the streets.
Until the next ‘Fluke’ shows up. This is only a temporary fix.
I guess you’re right. But still, better to have them off the streets for now, right?
Gotta agree with Tommy here. We can’t just sit back and do nothing.
The bigger question is who is ‘Henry’ and why hasn’t he been caught yet?
Legal systems are slow, but it’s necessary to make sure justice is properly served.
Honestly, the money these traffickers make is insane. No wonder they take the risk.
It’s sad how poverty drives people to such extremes. We need to solve the root causes.
Absolutely. Only long-term socio-economic reforms can truly end this cycle.
Exactly, education and job opportunities could do more than just locking people up.
They should have enforcement driving down every alleyway! Maximum deterrence is key!
That’s just too militarized, feels like we’d be living in a police state.
Kudos to the Min Buri team, risking their lives to protect others!
Raids like this should happen more often. The criminals must know they can’t just run amok.
Let’s not forget, this bust is a temporary solution, not the be-all and end-all.
Then what do you suggest, Jessie? Just let them run wild?
Not at all, but supplementing enforcement with community support & rehab might yield better results.
Why is the punishment always focused on the little guys? Go after the big fish!
Some of these law enforcement narratives seem like scripts for TV shows—so much drama!
Real life crime is often stranger and more complex than fiction, Raymond.
Fluke’s capture is a win, but the real menace is meth production. That’s where the focus should be.
Anyone noticing how gangs have adapted tech like Line for their operations? Time for a digital crackdown.
It’s too easy to say ‘chase the leaders’. Fluke is a cog, but an important one, don’t downplay this bust.
Still, strategic focus on the upper tier of the organization gives a wider impact.
If this was the US, wouldn’t there be SWAT teams and helicopters on the news!?
Not every place fans drama like the States, Xenia. Different systems different styles.
I think it’s naive to ever believe we’ll be entirely drug-free. Efforts must focus on harm reduction too.
[…] Additionally, other gang members, including Sutee, Panupong, and Sarayut, were implicated in the operation for their roles in transporting and coordinating the drug activities, highlighting the network’s extensive reach. […]