Police Arrest Singaporean Fugitive With Bomb-Making Chemicals in Bangkok
A 40-year-old Singaporean fugitive wanted for drug offenses was arrested in Bangkok with methamphetamine, bomb-making chemicals, and detonators after a three-month investigation coordinated with Singapore authorities.
Police launched a major operation on September 4 after receiving a tip that a Singaporean national, identified as Mr. Joel, 40, was hiding in Thailand while evading drug-related charges in his home country. The suspect had allegedly been using methamphetamine and displayed violent, unstable behavior. After a three-month investigation coordinated with Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau, officers raided a condominium in the Bangkok Noi area and apprehended Joel. Police discovered he is a wanted criminal with an extensive record of drug and serious criminal offenses in Singapore, classified as a person of special concern.
During the arrest, officers seized 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 200,000 baht in cash, two mobile phones containing evidence of sales orders for lethal toxins valued at 18,000 baht, and notably, a cache of bomb-making materials and chemicals including 500 grams of calcium carbide, sodium metabisulfite, ammonia solution, nitric acid, and borax, along with two detonators and five gas canisters. Police say Joel had infiltrated Thailand nearly three years ago posing as a student. Additional charges related to explosives preparation and dangerous substances remain under investigation as authorities expand their inquiry.
