Bt100 million assets seized after raids on drug networks
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The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and the Department of Special Investigation have carried out joint raids at 48 locations in 10 provinces in a case involving 32 suspects allegedly involved in four drug networks - with nearly Bt100 million
The operation, which began on Friday and concludes today, aims to cut the finances of the networks and has involved raids at Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, Surin, Buri Ram, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
The first drug network was allegedly led by Kringkrai Dokmai, who was arrested on March 29 and whose assets, including a Bt12.5 million 42-room apartment in Chiang Mai, were confiscated on Friday, Permpong said.
The second network, allegedly led by Orawan Hensawang, bought illicit drugs from the North for distribution in the East and Northeast, he said, adding that police had seized assets worth Bt6 million in Buri Ram yesterday.
The third network was allegedly led by Charoon Panthog, who had Bt11 million in assets seized in Samut Sakhon.
Permpong said the fourth network was allegedly led by Lawan Jamreung, who had Bt60 million in assets seized in Rayong yesterday.
The agencies would raid a fifth drug network today, he said.
Meanwhile, in Chiang Rai’s Muang district yesterday, police arrested Hmong drug suspect Ratchapon Chinnuthit, 30.
Police seized Ratchapon’s three cars, large amounts of US dollars, gold and silver bars, gold ornaments, two guns and other valuables worth nearly Bt100 million.
Ratchapon’s arrest stemmed from the arrest of seven drug suspects in Rayong and the seizure of 88,000 yaba pills in November 2012.
Ratchapol is accused of wiring drug money to Chiang Rai businessman Sompan Liewcharoen, who had Bt150 million worth of assets seized on June 4.
