Phuket City Police, working with the Provincial Police investigation team, arrested 25-year-old Yutthana Chanakan in Ratsada on Saturday night (Sept 6) after tracking a suspicious package to a delivery drop point in Soi Bang Chi Liao 2 in Ratsada.
The parcel, left near a coin-operated laundry, was observed by undercover officers until Yutthana arrived to collect it around 8pm. Inside the box, police found avocados concealing 23 foil-wrapped bundles, each containing methamphetamine pills. In total, the parcel contained about 46,000 pills.
Police then searched Yutthana’s nearby rented room, where they discovered a further 2,361 pills, a blue Honda PCX motorbike and a gold necklace.
The operation was led by Pol Col Chatree Chukaew, Superintendent of Phuket City Police, with oversight from Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, who later personally questioned the suspect.
During interrogation, Yutthana reportedly admitted to acting as a courier and stash keeper for a drug network. He told police he was paid B1,500 for each delivery and had made two or three runs prior to his arrest.
He has been charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell, distribution of narcotics and illegal drug use. Police said the investigation is being expanded to identify others involved in the operation.