The operation was carried out by the Mueang Phuket District Anti-Narcotics Operations Center together with a special operations unit from the district administration, targeting suspected drug trafficking in the Rawai sea gypsy village area.
Deputy District Chief Thiti Bunyasathien led members of the Mueang Phuket District branch of the Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor) in surrounding and searching an unnumbered wooden house located in the middle of sea gypsy village, in Moo 2, Rawai.
Officials reported that the search was carried out between 12:15pm and 12:20pm.
Four suspects were arrested during the operation, including a 26-year-old man who was found with two bundles and one bag containing methamphetamine pills. He faces charges of selling and distributing a Category 1 narcotic as well as illegal consumption of the drug.
A 17-year-old male suspect was also arrested with 10 ya bah pills, 0.57 grammes of crystal meth (ya ice) and three shotgun shells. He has been charged with illegal possession of Category 1 narcotics, illegal possession of ammunition and illegal consumption of a Category 1 narcotic.
Two other suspects, both aged 20, were arrested with four ya bah pills each and face charges of illegal possession and consumption of a Category 1 narcotic.
Officers also seized an additional 186 ya bah pills and one mobile phone during the operation.
In total, authorities seized 4,348 ya bah pills, 0.57g of crystal meth and three rounds of ammunition.
All four suspects and the seized items were handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
The Mueang Phuket District Office confirmed that drug suppression operations will continue in the area in an effort to curb the spread of narcotics and maintain safety in local communities.