The arrests followed the seizure of more than 3kg of cocaine at Phuket International Airport last week.
Joining Pol Lt Gen Achayon for the inspection were a host of high-level officers, including, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum and Pol Maj Gen Theera Thongrayab, Commander of NSB 4, along with officers from Provincial Police, Immigration and Tourist Police.
The sweep followed intelligence gathered by Narcotics Suppression Division 4 indicating that a foreign network had been smuggling cocaine into Phuket for sale to tourists in entertainment venues and key tourist areas.
Investigators first obtained a court arrest warrant for a Nigerian national believed to be linked to the network. His apprehension led to further inquiries and expanded surveillance in Patong.
During the late-night Bangla operation, officers arrested two additional Nigerian nationals. A search uncovered approximately one gramme of cocaine. One suspect was charged with illegal possession of a Category 2 narcotic (cocaine), while another foreign national was arrested for illegal immigration.
Officials said the arrests formed part of a broader effort to prevent narcotics from spreading into nightlife venues and damaging Phuket’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination.
Authorities also confirmed that a Brazilian man arrested at Phuket Airport last week is connected to the same trafficking network.
As previously reported, Customs officials intercepted the suspect while he was attempting to smuggle 3.1kg of cocaine concealed in his luggage. Investigators have now identified him as a Brazilian national who allegedly intended to distribute the drugs to tourists in Phuket.
The airport seizure, combined with the Bangla arrests, resulted in a total of four suspects being detained and more than 3.1kg of cocaine confiscated, official reports highlighted.
Officials said the operation effectively disrupted the trafficking network before it could cause serious harm to the country’s image and security.
Pol Lt Gen Achayon stressed that the NSB would continue proactive suppression efforts, particularly in economic zones and major tourist cities.
He said the crackdown aligns with government policy to restore public confidence and ensure safety for both residents and visitors.
Instructions have been issued to expand the investigation domestically and internationally in order to dismantle the entire network, including any overseas collaborators.
The NSB has urged members of the public to report drug-related information or suspicious individuals via the 24-hour hotlines 1599 or 191, or at their nearest police station. Authorities said informants’ identities would be kept strictly confidential.
THALANG METH ARREST
Meanwhile in a separate operation earlier yesterday, Thalang District officials arrested a suspected methamphetamine dealer in Thepkrasatri.
An anti-drugs team, including district officials and Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor) personnel arrested a man they identified only as ‘Mr A’ on a public road in Moo 1, Thepkrasattri.
Mr A was found in possession of 396 methamphetamine pills.(ya bah) hidden in a panel in his car’s driver’s side door.
Mr A faces three charges: selling Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell without permission, illegal consumption of methamphetamine, and driving while under the influence of a Category 1 narcotic.
He was handed over to investigators at Thalang Police Station for legal proceedings.