Speaking at a press conference at Ratsada Pier today, after announcing the campaign only yesterday, Pol Maj Gen Prutthiphong gave a breakdown of the arrests and raids conducted stretching as far back as February.
On Feb 14, Marine Police seized the fishing boat ‘Chok Amiron’ for using unauthorised fishing gear and fishing without proper permissions near Phuket. Further investigation revealed discrepancies in the boat’s registration, leading to charges of using a stateless boat and document forgery, Pol Maj Gen Prutthiphong said.
Regarding unregistered jet-skis, earlier this month officials seized 27 unregistered jet-skis in the Ao Por area. The operators were charged with using boats without proper licenses, he said.
A concerted effort to inspect tour speedboats and fishing vessels resulted in the arrest of 39 individuals and the seizure of nearly 20,000 methamphetamine (ya bah) pills. The charges included possession and consumption of illegal drugs, he added.
In total, the ‘Andaman Dawn’ campaign, which actually ran from May 20-30, Pol Maj Gen Prutthiphong said, yielded substantial results, as follows:
- Narcotics: Seized 19,996 methamphetamine (ya bah) tablets.
- Firearms: Confiscated 23 firearms and 314 rounds of ammunition.
- Arrest Warrants: Executed 25 warrants, leading to 25 arrests.
- Navigation Violations: Charged 32 individuals with various navigation offenses.
- Other Offenses: Addressed 13 additional cases, resulting in 7 arrests.
In total, the campaign resulted in 139 cases and 112 arrests.
In addition to Pol Maj Gen Prutthipong Nuchanart, the operation was led by senior officials including Pol Col Tharakorn Lertphoncharoen, Pol Col Ajarn Wanlap Puangphaka, Pol Col Ram Roshom and Pol Col Thanawat Hanyok-in, the press were told.
Their coordinated efforts spanned six provinces: Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, covering an area of 691 square nautical miles.
The Central Investigation Bureau and Marine Police Division vowed to continue their campaign of vigilance and enforcement to combat illegal activities on the Andaman Sea, ensuring the region’s safety and economic stability, said an official report of the press conference today.
‘The success of the ‘Andaman Dawn’ operation marked a significant step in maintaining law and order in this vital maritime zone,” the report added.