Drug-hunting police officers ‘take out the trash’

Undercover operation in Bangkok leads to arrest of suspected narcotics kingpin

A truckload of police disguised themselves as Bangkok garbage collectors to enter a drug-trafficking hangout tucked deep into the back alleyways of Bangkok, leading to the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin with a long criminal record.

The operation targeted a major drug network operating at the end of Soi On Nut in Prawet district of the capital. In total, police arrested six dealers as well as nine drug users.

Teens arrested with illicit substances. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)

Officers used court-issued search warrants to raid five locations in Bangkok and Samut Prakan. Their main target was identified as Somphop, 38, also known as “Bang Dam”, who was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Phra Khanong Criminal Court. He was arrested at a rented house in the Phraeksa area of Muang district in Samut Prakan.

In total, police seized 1,644 methamphetamine tablets, 63 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, 2.5 grammes of ketamine, five mobile phones, one Toyota car and five motorcycles.

Pol Maj Gen Teeradej Thammasutee, deputy chief of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, said the raid presented a challenge because the target community was a maze of narrow alleys and was reportedly protected by lookouts who alerted residents whenever police approached.

Rather than risk blowing their cover, investigators led by Pol Lt Col Thanapeerasit Chulapiphop, an inspector with the bureau’s Investigation Division 3, came up with a less conspicuous approach — blending into the neighbourhood as BMA garbage collectors.

Officers and their ride, ready to blend into the neighbourhood. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)

The tactic allowed officers to get close to the target without raising suspicion before launching a surprise raid and making the arrests.

Police said Bang Dam had a lengthy criminal history, with seven previous cases recorded against him.

Main suspect “Bang Dam” is taken into custody in Samut Prakan. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)

The suspect’s lengthy history includes a 2007 case involving possession of methamphetamine for sale; attempted murder involving a firearm in September 2008; two rape cases in 2009, one of which also involved the alleged detention and assault of a female university student waiting for a bus; drug possession and illegal firearms in 2012; a murder case arising from a shooting in 2014; and a gambling offence in 2016.

Police said the latest operation was part of efforts to dismantle drug networks operating in densely populated communities in Bangkok and surrounding areas.