Disabled Man Arrested for Selling Meth in Krabi
Police in Khao Phanom district arrested a 59-year-old disabled man for selling methamphetamine from his home. The man, who lost his leg, said he turned to drug dealing after his small grocery business collapsed due to unpaid debts and theft, leaving him with no income. Authorities also apprehended his 31-year-old supplier with 100 pills during a follow-up operation.
On November 5, 2026, a task force implementing the '60-Day Drug Suppression Operation' under the integrated 'United Faith to Solve Drug Problems' project in Khao Phanom district, led by District Chief Manut Nampratueng, Deputy District Chief Natthanaphon Phromkhamnoi, Security Chief Kittisak Kumsuk, and Prevention Deputy Chief, arrested Mr. Santi (surname withheld), age 59, a disabled man missing one leg, along with 15 methamphetamine pills at his residence. The arrest followed a tip from individuals undergoing drug rehabilitation.
During the operation, Mr. Santi did not attempt to flee or resist; instead, he cooperated fully while expressing bitterness about his life circumstances. He lived alone after relatives moved to work in other provinces. Unable to find work due to his disability, he invested in a small home-based food and grocery business but suffered heavy losses because villagers bought on credit and refused to pay, and thieves stole from his home, causing losses of around 10,000 baht until he could no longer continue.
About a month ago, unable to find a way to make a living, he decided to contact a drug supplier after learning from local users. He borrowed money from his last remaining relative to invest in buying methamphetamine, 100-200 pills at a time. Mr. Santi explained that the pills cost 30-40 baht each depending on market fluctuations, and he sold them for 50 baht each, earning 10-15 baht profit per pill. He had steady customers from several villages, making 300-500 baht daily profit, enough to get by.
He admitted that selling drugs differed from selling food — with food, villagers bought on credit and didn't pay, but drugs required cash payment. He knew it was illegal but felt he had no choice. He hoped that if he escaped punishment, knowledgeable people would guide disabled people like him on how to live.
However, after Mr. Santi's arrest, a drug supplier called him. Police set up a controlled buy and arrested 'New' (alias), age 31, with 100 methamphetamine pills. Both suspects were handed over to Khao Phanom Police Station for legal proceedings.
