The first operation took place at about 9:30pm, when the Phuket Provincial Administrative Special Operations Unit, led by Provincial Defense Officer Akara Suwatthikul and Assistant Defense Officer Thongchai Rattanadet, expanded their investigation following a recent drug arrest and moved to inspect a target area, said an official report of the raid.
The location of arrest was not reported.
According to the report, officers apprehended one male suspect and seized a 12-gauge shotgun, a quantity of Category 1 narcotics (crystal meth), drug-use paraphernalia and small bags believed to be used for drug distribution.
The suspect, not named in the report, was allegedly charged with possession of a firearm without a permit and illegal use of a Category 1 narcotic. Apparently he was taken to Phuket City Police Station at about 3:30am together with the seized evidence.
According to the official report, provincial officials said the operation forms part of an ongoing effort to enforce government and Ministry of Interior policies aimed at maintaining social order and suppressing influential criminal elements across the island.
Separately, at around the same time, Patong Police reported the arrest of another Thai man at the Pak Bang Canal Bridge bus stop on Prachanukroh Rd.
The man, not named in their report, was reported as charged with*possession of a firearm and ammunition without permission and carrying a firearm in a public area without good reason.
Officers seized one homemade handgun, nine rounds of .32-calibre ammunition, a magazine, a black gun holster and a shoulder bag, noted the report.
The case file has been submitted to investigators for further legal action, the report concluded.