SURAT THANI: A man nicknamed "the boss", believed by authorities to be a major drug dealer based on Koh Samui, has been arrested after being hunted for a year.
Sompong Ruangsri was arrested in Tha Sala district on Friday on charges of selling crystal methamphetamine on Koh Samui, provincial governor Witchawut Jinto and provincial police chief Apichart Boonsriroj announced on Sunday. Two cars, gold necklaces, two luxury wristwatches and 10 bank accounts have been confiscated, they added.
The arrest of Mr Sompong followed two crackdowns on drugs on the resort island last year, which led investigators to believe a man known as "the boss" was a key figure in the network. Investigators later determined "the boss" was Mr Sompong, 63, who operated rental van services under the name of Ruangsri Group on Bo Phut.
Pol Maj Gen Apichart said Mr Sompong had been convicted on heroin charges and assets worth 10 million baht seized in 2002. After being released from jail in 2011, the man set up a network on Koh Samui to sell drugs.
The Surat Thani police chief suspected he had connections with influential figures and officials to shield their illicit business.
When police took the suspect to Ruangsri Group, which was also used as his home, they found a black van parked in the same parking space. The van was used by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha when he visited the island on Sept 13.
A source at the Narcotics Control Board said it planned to seize additional assets belonging to Mr Sompong and his gang. The anti-drug agency suspected he used the van rental business to launder dirty money.
