Bangkok: Metropolitan Police Bureau, in conjunction with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, has launched Operation "Breaking the Dark Shadows," successfully arresting a gang involved in drug trafficking. Officers disguised themselves in various roles to apprehend eight black men and one Thai individual, who have now been taken into custody.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation involved Metropolitan Police investigators and Narcotics Suppression Division officers going undercover as bricklayers and nightlife workers. They boarded a songthaew and targeted a drug trafficking operation on Sukhumvit Soi 11's footpath in Khlong Toei Nuea Subdistrict, Watthana District. The authorities seized two bags of cocaine, totaling four grams, along with other drugs and eleven mobile phones. The suspects are awaiting medical examination.
The arrests were prompted by a post on the popular Facebook page "ThailandTourism," which has a significant international following. The post warned about black African men involved in drug sales, fraud, and pickpocketing in the Nana area, impacting tourism negatively. Acting on these warnings, the national police chief directed the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and Metropolitan Police Bureau to investigate the area. Undercover officers discovered that the gang targeted foreign tourists exclusively and used the tactic of holding drugs in their mouths to evade capture. If approached by law enforcement, they would swallow the drugs.
Acting on a tip-off, more than 40 officers disguised themselves as construction workers and set up an operation using a songthaew. The suspects, believing the officers were genuine workers, continued their drug sales. Two foreigners were observed making transactions, leading to the arrests. The suspects face charges related to distributing cocaine without a permit.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradej Thamsuthee, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, stated that the operation aims to dismantle networks smuggling cocaine into Thailand. These networks often use body concealment methods to transport drugs, which are then sold at tourist hotspots. Efforts will continue to ensure the safety and confidence of tourists visiting Thailand.