Drug and Gun Bust: 60-Year-Old Major Suspect Arrested in Sukhumvit Area

On January 30, 2024, police from the Investigation Division of Metropolitan Police Unit 5 launched a proactive operation to dismantle a hidden drug and weapons location in the Sukhumvit area. The operation was the result of extensive surveillance, evidence gathering, and in-depth investigation of the target's connections. The operation was conducted under the direction of high-ranking police officials, including the Police Commissioner and other senior officers. After obtaining a search warrant from the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, the police team entered a small wooden structure located at the end of a hotel's side street in the Phra Khanong area of Bangkok. During the search, officers discovered approximately 4 grams of methamphetamine, a 9mm Beretta 92 pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition, 50,000 baht in cash, three bank passbooks, and one vehicle. They arrested Somchai, a 60-year-old suspect. Background checks revealed the suspect is a major player with multiple drug-related cases, including previous incidents of orchestrating drug smuggling into prison while in custody. Authorities believe he may be connected to a broader drug network. Initially, the suspect was charged with illegal possession of Category 1 drugs and unauthorized possession of firearms and ammunition. Police plan to continue investigating the suspect's network, financial trails, and potential accomplices to further dismantle the drug and weapons operation in Bangkok.