Chiang Rai: The Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has initiated a thorough investigation into the assets of a police officer implicated in the transportation of 5 million methamphetamine pills, asserting that any civil servant involved in drug trafficking must face decisive action, including asset seizure and conversion to state property.
According to Thai News Agency, the ONCB Secretary-General has launched an urgent probe into the assets connected to the 'Pol. Lt. Red Badge' network, following the arrest of a police lieutenant colonel at a checkpoint in Chiang Rai. The operation resulted in the confiscation of over 50 million baht in assets. The Secretary-General emphasized that any officials involved in drug activities will be prosecuted without delay, and their assets will be appropriated for the state, with no exceptions permitted.
This initiative aligns with the decisive drug suppression policy of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra's government and directives from Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, aimed at dismantling drug networks and severing their financial channels. On 15 June 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, urged affiliated agencies to expand on the operation's results to dismantle a major drug network. The operation, conducted on 14 June 2025, was a collaborative effort between the ONCB, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), and other relevant agencies, leading to the arrest of three suspects: Mr. Narongdet, aged 53, Mr. Sonthaya, aged 44, and Mr. Komon, aged 49, along with evidence of 5 million methamphetamine pills in Chiang Rai Province.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Narongdet, the first suspect, is a police officer holding the rank of 'Pol. Lt.' assigned to the Police Training Center, Region 8. Having completed training only three months prior, he became involved in the drug smuggling operation. Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat instructed the ONCB, Region 8, and related agencies to promptly inspect and seize assets. Searches conducted at two houses in the police flats at the training center in Surat Thani Province led to the confiscation of numerous assets for examination, including 200,000 baht in cash, gold bars worth 5 baht, three land title deeds covering a total area of 44 rai, two cars, and eight bank accounts, with an initial asset valuation exceeding 50 million baht.
The Secretary-General underscored the importance of tracing financial trails and uncovering hidden assets for further seizure. He issued a stern warning to government officials, stressing that involvement in drug-related activities, whether as a dealer, transporter, or supporter, will result in immediate prosecution and severe penalties. All illicitly obtained assets will be seized and converted into state property, as part of efforts to sever drug networks in line with government policy.