Officers from the Investigation Division of Phang Nga Provincial Police apprehended the 44-year-old suspect, identified as Pholsan Phinsuwan, during an operation in Pa Ko Subdistrict, Mueang Phang Nga District, at about 4pm on Sunday (Apr 26).
Police said the suspect is a resident of Moo 1, Srisoonthorn, Thalang District, Phuket.
The arrest followed earlier investigations stemming from the Mar 10 capture of another suspect accused of dealing crystal meth. Police said information obtained during that case pointed to Pholsan, also known as ‘Aom in Ton’, as a member of the same drug distribution network, allegedly responsible for supplying narcotics to users, including teenagers, in the area.
Acting on a tip-off, officers tracked Pholsan to a somtum restaurant in Moo 3, Pa Ko, where he had parked a Phuket-registered Honda Civic. Police said he attempted to flee when approached but was quickly detained.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a 9mm Glock 19 handgun with a loaded magazine, a further 17 rounds of ammunition, a holster, 30 ya bah pills and drug-taking paraphernalia.
During questioning, Pholsan allegedly admitted to storing additional weapons and narcotics at a rented house in Moo 5 of the same subdistrict. Officers then escorted him to the property, where a further cache was discovered.
Seized from the house were a Remington 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, an AK-47 rifle with a folding stock, multiple magazines and ammunition, along with 110 ya bah pills and a small quantity of crystal methamphetamine. Additional drug paraphernalia was also found.
Police said the suspect confessed to all charges and told officers that the AK-47 and some of the drugs had been supplied by an associate previously arrested in the March case. He claimed the narcotics were given to him as payment for repainting a firearm.
All items were seized as evidence and the suspect was taken to Mueang Phang Nga Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing as officers continue efforts to expand the case and identify other members of the network, police said.