Fleeing Officer Accused of Drug Use During Online Training
A Phatthalung police sergeant nicknamed Dab A disappeared six days after being filmed apparently using methamphetamine during an online training session attended by 259 officers on August 10. Authorities say they are pursuing the case throu
A police officer nicknamed Dab A, who was filmed apparently using drugs during an online training session, has been missing for six days and remains unreachable. The Phatthalung Provincial Police commander says authorities have a plan of action and asks the public to have confidence.
The incident occurred during a professional development course hosted by Region 9 Provincial Police on August 10, with 259 officers from the region attending an online training session via Zoom or VTV.
During the training, a sergeant from Thalenoi Police Station in Phatthalung was observed on camera apparently using methamphetamine in plain view. Multiple officers attending the online meeting witnessed this and reported it to their commanders. The officer was later identified as Sergeant Virasak, nicknamed Dab A, who serves as head of crime prevention and suppression at Thalenoi Station and currently works as a radio operator there.
As of August 17, when reporters checked on progress with Phatthalung Provincial Police Commander Deputy Police General Chaowlit Liang Supong, police confirmed they were still pursuing the sergeant for questioning but had not located him. He has been absent from duty for six days.
The Thalenoi Police Station commander has been ordered to expedite the investigation and file a report at Khuan Khunun Police Station, where the incident occurred. The investigation is proceeding on two tracks: criminal charges and police disciplinary action.
When asked whether drug testing had been conducted after several days had passed, Deputy Police General Chaowlit stated that police have a course of action and asked the public to have confidence, saying that if wrongdoing is found, it will be prosecuted accordingly.
Thalenoi Police Station Commander Police Colonel Rangsi Manjit revealed that following the officer's disappearance, investigators checked his residence and questioned his mother. He has been missing since the incident became public and remains unreachable. A search of his home found no illegal items. The commander emphasized that this case has drawn public attention and police will not shield anyone who breaks the law, asking for public confidence in the process.
