Man Arrested With Ice and Illegal Gun After Traffic Stop
A 34-year-old man was arrested after traffic police discovered methamphetamine and an illegal shotgun in his vehicle during a search at a local police station in Ko Lanta on July 1.
On July 1, 2569, Maj. Chaikrit Potho, commander of Patrol Unit 6, along with Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Narish Prathana Phor, Station Chief Pol. Col. Apiched Satrapsongprom, Assistant Station Chief Pol. Lt. Thadpol Sukpaibun, Pol. Lt. Sarawut Charoenyot, and officers from Phalap Phlai Chai Station 1 arrested 34-year-old Chai and seized 0.64 grams of ice, one shotgun, 20 shotgun rounds, 6 .22 caliber rounds, and .38 caliber ammunition.
The operation began on June 29 when traffic police conducted enforcement in their jurisdiction. On Charoen Krung Road, officers immobilized a white Isuzu vehicle and issued a traffic citation. When Chai arrived at Phalap Phlai Chai Station 1 to pay his fine, his suspicious behavior prompted further investigation. Officers Pol. Sgt. Ranyut Deebuk and Pol. Sgt. Nattapol Muhammed followed Chai to his vehicle and requested a search.
Police discovered 0.64 grams of ice hidden in a black shoulder bag and one shotgun with ammunition concealed behind the driver's seat in a gray weapons bag. During interrogation, Chai admitted the drugs and firearm belonged to him. He stated he purchased ice for 100 baht per packet from an unknown dealer near his residence and bought the gun and ammunition from a friend for approximately 18,000 baht.
Chaiwascharged with possession of Category 1 controlled substances without authorization, possession of firearms and ammunition without a license from the registrar, and carrying firearms in city limits, residential areas, or public places without proper authorization.
