Authorities raid drug den in Phuket

An officer with the provincial Manee Kram investigative unit inspects the house in Kathu district of Phuket where the drugs and weapons were found. (Photo: Phuket Provincial Administration Special Operations Unit)

PHUKET - A raid on a suspected drug den in Kathu district on this tourist island has uncovered a large amount of drugs and firearms, provincial authorities said on Tuesday.

The raid was carried out at 10.30pm on Monday by the Manee Kram unit, a special operations team of the Phuket provincial administrative organisation, which was investigating a suspected drug trafficking and gathering site.

The operation began with an undercover officer making a drug purchase before moving in to inspect the premises. However, the dealer grew suspicious and escaped, reportedly using his familiarity with the area.

Five other people found at the site agreed to enter drug rehabilitation programmes, authorities said.

Five people arrested at the site have agreed to enter drug rehabilitation programmes. (Photo: Phuket Provincial Administration Special Operations Unit)

The raid resulted in the seizure of 28 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice”, in seven bags, and 260 methamphetamine pills in six bags.

Authorities also found a 12-gauge single-barrel break-action shotgun without a registration number, one round of ammunition, a firearm scope and a sword, among other items in the guitar-filled room.

As well, bank account numbers were found written on the mirrors, suggesting that financial transactions were taking place.

Police at the scene note bank account numbers written onto a mirror. (Photo: Phuket Provincial Administration Special Operations Unit)

The tenant of the house, who fled the scene, is being pursued on charges of possessing and distributing Category 1 narcotics for sale, and possession of a weapon. He also faces charges of possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition.

The seized items were handed over to investigators at the Kathu police station for further legal action.

The operation was part of a nationwide 90-day campaign that the Interior Ministry announced last month to strengthen security measures, including tighter controls on firearms and illegal drugs and increased inspections of suspected crime hotspots.

Phuket authorities said the property that was raided on Monday would continue to be monitored to prevent it from becoming a gathering point for drug users again.

They said the broader crackdown aims to curb drugs, firearms and other illegal activities while strengthening safety and confidence among residents and tourists.

Suspects and seized items are displayed in front of a banner promoting the 90-day campaign to improve security and curb illegal activities in Phuket. (Photo: Phuket Provincial Administration Special Operations Unit)