Mr Ben is a key suspect in a major UK drug trafficking network and faces charges of supplying Class A and B drugs, including cocaine and heroin, as well as possessing property obtained from criminal activities, the CIB explained ina post online last night (Sept 2).
The arrest took place at a restaurant in Rawai after authorities discovered that Mr Ben had fled the UK to avoid a life sentence, the report noted.
Mr Ben had been living in Phuket since 2022. While on the island he maintained a luxurious lifestyle, renting a condo and a pool villa. He also concealed his identity by practising boxing under the alias ‘Billy’.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) had requested Mr Ben’s extradition, prompting Thai authorities to investigate his whereabouts. After locating him in Phuket, a coordinated effort by the CIB and CSD led to his arrest, said the report.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of Pol Lt Gen Jiraphop Phuridet, Commander-in-Chief of the CIB, Pol Maj Gen Montree Thessakan, Commander of the CSD, and Pol Col Phatrawut Onchuai, Superintendent of the 5th Division, CSD.
The arresting team was led by Pol Lt Col Phongsak Meemusik, Superintendent of Investigation Division 5, CSD, along with officers from the 5th Operations Unit, CSD, the report added.
Mr Ben is currently being held as authorities prepare to extradite him back to the UK, in accordance with Thailand’s Extradition Act of 2008, the CIB report concluded.