Operation Golden Pillow: Police Use Undercover Durian Truck to Crack Down on Drug Gang, Seize Narcotics and Slot Machines
Police arrested three suspects and seized drugs and slot machines during an undercover operation disguised as a durian vendor truck in a Bangkok community near a school where narcotics were being sold to youth.
Operation Golden Pillow: Police Use Undercover Durian Truck to Crack Down on Drug Gang, Seize Narcotics and Slot Machines. Big Jo leads raid in Bangkok.
On May 2, 2569, Police Lieutenant General Siam Bunserm, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the operation. Police Major General Theeradej Thamsuthee, Deputy Commissioner for Narcotics, Police Major General Witthawat Chinkam, Commander of Division 5, and other senior officers from the Narcotics Suppression Center under the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau launched Operation Durian Toxin. They conducted a search of a community behind Udomsuk 30 School in Bang Na Nua Subdistrict, Bang Na District, Bangkok, using an undercover operation disguised as durian vendors to investigate the target area.
The operation followed the policy of Police General Kittiratchawit Panpetch, Police Commissioner, Police General Samran Nualmaa, Deputy Commissioner, Police General Sompraseang Yenthum, Special Advisor, and Police Lieutenant General Kritsada Kanjanaolongkorn, Assistant Commissioner, aimed at suppressing narcotics in communities, especially youth hangouts. This followed complaints from residents that a group was illegally selling drugs and luring youth during school breaks, causing trouble for local residents.
Investigation revealed that the hangout was operated by someone known as "Bang Dam," who sold narcotics and operated slot machines, pricing drugs low to attract youth in the Udomsuk 30 area near the school.
Investigators devised a plan using a modified pickup truck disguised as a durian vendor truck, parking it near the target house with officers concealed inside for surveillance. When they spotted the suspect inside the house, they revealed themselves and made the arrest, searching the premises.
Three suspects were arrested:
1. A 42-year-old Thai male (Bang Dam) charged with operating illegal gambling and Class 1 drug possession. Additional charges for drug dealing are being investigated.
2. A 32-year-old Thai female (Ms. May) charged with operating illegal gambling.
3. A 43-year-old Thai female (Ms. Porn) charged with possessing and using Class 1 methamphetamine (ice).
Police seized 2 slot machines, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
Eight other people were found at the location, including three teenagers aged 15. Drug tests on the youth came back negative, and they claimed they came to play games with friends. Officers proceeded with child and youth protection protocols.
During initial interrogation, some suspects confessed that the slot machines belonged to someone else who installed them in exchange for revenue sharing, while the drugs were for personal use. The matter of luring youth is still under investigation.
Police revealed that the area is a densely packed community with multiple access routes, making it easy for offenders to escape. Strict surveillance of strangers made previous investigations difficult. The plan to use an undercover durian truck allowed officers to access the area and successfully make arrests.
After the arrests, many residents came out to observe, and community representatives thanked the officers, reflecting the community's appreciation.
