A total of 81 Thalang Police officers and volunteers closed off streets and swooped through Baan Don and the Karn Keha public housing estate in Srisoonthorn, with door-to-door checks by police from 8am to 11am.
Police arrested Eakkachai Latae, 24, after he was found in possession of 1.5 litres of kratom juice and 1.25 litres of what officers called a “kratom cocktail”.
A 23-year-old male Myanmar national named by police only as “Mr Sau” was arrested after he was found illegally staying in the country.
Both men were taken to Thalang Police Station to be charged
“The raids were carried out after residents in these areas filed complaints about ongoing robberies, thefts and drug activities in their community,” said Lt Col Prasan Towon, who led the raids with Lt Col Sarayuth Meeboon.
However, Thalang Police chief Col Chanuchan Cholsuwat said that the raid was carried out as part of an “anti-drug and crime campaign” ahead of the upcoming Loy Kratong Festival on November 25.
The raids will continue throughout the tourism high season, from November through to end of February, especially in areas that attract many tourists, he said.
Col Chanuchan did not link the raids yesterday with the hunt suspects wanted for involvement in the October 10 riot at Thalang Police Station.
So far, more than 66 arrest warrants have been issued over the riot, and police claim that only one suspected was arrested “accidentally” when he was caught for possession of kratom. (See story here.)