The operation, codenamed ‘Blackout’, was launched at about 9:15pm after officers received complaints of open drug dealing along the roadside in front of the Rawai sea gypsy community in Moo 2, Rawai. (Of note, the official report still referred to the sea gypsy community as ‘Thai Mai’, meaning ‘new Thais’.)
Thongchai Rattanadet, Assistant at the Phuket Provincial Defense Office, joined officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Special Operations Unit to investigate the area following reports that drugs were being sold “without fear of the law”.
Officers arrested one male suspect at the scene. The man was not named in the official report of the raid.
A search found 264 ya bah pills (Category 1 narcotics) packaged in clear plastic tubes, B160 in cash and a mobile phone, all of which were seized as evidence.
The man was charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, and illegal use of Category 1 narcotics. He was taken to Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts under government and Interior Ministry policy to tighten social order and crack down on drug networks and influential figures to improve community safety.
The arrest on Friday night followed the special operations unit, this time led by Assistant Provincial Defense Officer Hiran Hidchan, last Thursday night (Nov 20) arresting a man for heroin possession during a targeted operation at the deep-sea port in Moo 7, Wichit
The raid was carried out following repeated complaints from local residents about drug activity in the area, said an official report of the arrest.
On arrival at the scene, officers encountered a man acting suspiciously. A search uncovered a small plastic tube containing approximately 0.17 grammes of heroin. The man was immediately detained, and his motorbike was also seized.
The suspect, also unnamed in the official public report, was charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic (heroin) without a permit. He and the seized evidence were taken to Wichit Police Station for further legal action.