National —
The Narcotics Control Board (NCB) on April 5th, 2024, announced the follow-up seizure of assets worth 30 million baht from an alleged big biker drug gang that was arrested in Chiang Rai province on March 4th.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, NCB Secretary-General, said that the seizure was the result of an investigation following the arrest of six suspects who were allegedly caught transporting 1,890,000 methamphetamine pills hidden in the sidecars of their big bikes.
The gang was led by a man named Samrit, who had been transporting drugs from Chiang Rai to customers in the central region of Thailand.
The NCB worked with the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Navy, and the Royal Thai Police to raid 13 locations in six provinces, including Chonburi, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Rai, Phichit, and Kamphaeng Phet.
During the operation, the NCB seized from the suspects land, buildings, vehicles, gold jewelry, brand-name goods, and passbooks worth more than 22 million baht. When combined with the value of the first batch of seized assets, the total value of the assets was more than 30 million baht.
Moreover, the NCB also announced the results of its “Operation to Cut the Wings of Small Drug Dealers”, which was carried out in the eastern region of Thailand from December 1st, 2023, to April 3rd, 2024.
A total of 329 targets were raided in eight provinces, resulting in the arrest of over 278 suspects.
The authorities also seized 4,925 methamphetamine pills, 556.71 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1.74 grams of ketamine, 1.12 grams of ecstasy, 20 firearms, and 92 rounds of ammunition. Assets worth 2,360,380 baht were also seized.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat said that the Thai government is committed to solving the drug problem in Thailand. He said the NCB has received a total of 8,751 complaints regarding drug issues since October 1, 2023, and has investigated 5,519 of them. The officer promised that the NCB will continue to investigate all complaints.
The name of the biker gang was withheld by Thai authorities, who cited further investigation and still outstanding members of the organisation that need to be looked into.
