Background of the Arrest
A South Korean man has been apprehended by the police in Thailand after receiving a tip-off about his alleged involvement in the smuggling of crystal methamphetamine to South Korea. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) collaborated with the Korea National Police earlier this month to investigate the 46-year-old suspect, identified as Chun Youn-bae. Chun has been allegedly smuggling crystal meth to South Korea between 2021 and 2022.
Discovery of Crystal Meth
Following the investigations, ONCB secretary-general Wichai Chaimongkhon stated that the ONCB obtained a warrant from Bangkok South Criminal Court to search Chun’s condominium in Soi Sukhumvit 21. During the search, officials discovered 0.5 grams of crystal meth, drug paraphernalia, and plastic packaging bags concealed in Chun’s toilet.
Charges and Suspect’s Statements
Chun is now facing charges, including possession of Type 1 narcotics without permission and overstaying his visa. He has been taken to Lumpini police station for legal proceedings.
The suspect informed the police that he had been in Thailand since 2006 for study purposes and had also been running a tourist business for approximately five years, with an income of around 50,000 baht. Chun claimed to have met a Thai woman on social media who offered to sell him about 0.6 grams of crystal meth per round, which could be delivered by a motorcycle taxi driver or sent to his condo’s mailbox.
Investigation Progress and Future Steps
Although Chun refused to disclose any additional information about the Thai woman, the ONCB’s secretary-general stated that they had determined the drug dealer’s identity and suspected Chun may have also been involved in drug dealing. The ONCB is currently gathering evidence to locate and apprehend the remaining members of the drug network.
Related Arrests Along the Mekong River
In a separate development, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) arrested four members of a cross-border drug network along the Mekong River on Tuesday. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 7 million methamphetamine pills. Acting on a tip-off, police, under the command of Pol Maj Gen Thanarat Sonkla, tightened border security in Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon provinces, leading to the apprehension of the drug network members.
