Outstanding Bust: DSI Region 3 Arrests Officer Hiding Methamphetamine in Official Residence
DSI Region 3 arrested a Forest Police sergeant major after finding 20 methamphetamine tablets hidden in his government residence during an investigation into drug trafficking by officials in Nakhon Ratchasima.
On May 16, 2025, Manop Saengsoet, director of the DSI Region 3 office, along with Lieutenant Colonel Theerapan Nakpan-iam, head of the law enforcement division at DSI Region 3, coordinated with Khu Mueang police station officers in Buriram and criminal investigation officers from Nakhon Ratchasima province to execute an expanded investigation into government officials involved in drug trafficking under 'Surgical Strike Operation No. 7.'
The operation stemmed from Khu Mueang police's arrest of two suspects with 256 methamphetamine tablets. Investigation revealed that some of the drugs came from a Senior Sergeant First Class officer stationed with the Forest Police in Nakhon Ratchasima, prompting coordination with Deputy Commissioner Kachon Setaputta.
When officers searched the suspect officer's government residence, he voluntarily submitted to a urine drug test, which came back negative. However, a search of his official quarters uncovered 20 methamphetamine tablets hidden in the bedroom, which he claimed were for personal use. He was taken into custody and charged with unauthorized possession of a Category 1 controlled substance (methamphetamine).
A subsequent search of another residence in Lamthamen District, Nakhon Ratchasima, yielded no contraband but resulted in the seizure of a Toyota Vigo pickup truck valued at approximately 200,000 baht for asset investigation.
The lieutenant colonel, who had been appointed as a DSI official, has since submitted his resignation. The case will proceed with factual verification, disciplinary action, and legal dismissal procedures. The DSI reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and prosecuting corrupt officials to maintain the integrity of law enforcement and public confidence, vowing to dismantle entire drug networks.
