Police – who had been staking out the area of the “Baan Ueua Athon” government subsisidized housing project in Thalang's Sisunthon sub-district – attempted to search suspected drug-dealer, Mr Kriengkrai “Kong” Chukaeo, 28, of Yala, after he'd parked his motorbike.
But Kong, who was conceiling a .38mm revolver with a two inch mussel, resisted and a fight ensued. Both officers and the suspect sustained some injuries from the fight before police finally prevailed. Luckily, no shots were fired.
Detained, Kong led police to his drug lair in the building, where they met the suspect's girlfriend, Ms Prapaphan “Ying” Rongdet, 33, of Phatthalung.
The search of the apartment unveiled a small amount of crystal amphetimine, smoking devices, a number of small plastic bags, account notes and contact lists with phone numbers, believed to be drug customers.
The couple ultimately confessed to police that they were indeed dealers and led them to their booty, stashed in the building's water pump closet under the stairs.
The seized drugs have an estimated street value of no less than B300,000. Police confiscated the drugs, paraphernalia, the revolver and two bullets, and the couple have been booked for further processing.