Big transnational drug cartel busted

BANGKOK, June 28 (TNA) -- The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) held a press conference on Tuesday on the arrest of a transnational drug cartel and its seizure of 1.7 million methamphetamine pills and nearly 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine or “ice”. ONCB Secretary-General Sirinya Sitdhichai said Sarayoot Ekmongkholsuk, 28, Adisak Kaenthongdaeng, 24, Thiwat Kling-obchoei, 23, and Phruethichai Chaiyong, 22, were arrested with 1.72 million speed pills and 296 kilograms of “ice” in Klong San district, Bangkok, at the night of June 26. According to him, Mr Thiwat and accomplices brought narcotics from the North and kept them in Thon Buri area of Bangkok before distributing them to buyers in the greater Bangkok. Mr Sirinya believed that a big mastermind was behind the gang because authorities found no valuables in the arrest apart from the illicit drugs. He also said that the large amount of “ice” would be otherwise smuggled through the South to Australia which was its major market. A source said a speed pill was retailed at 40-50 baht in a border province and 200 baht in Bangkok. “Ice” was quoted at 550,000-600,000 baht per kilogram in border areas and at least 1 million baht per kilogram in Bangkok. The price would soar several times if the drug reached Australia. (TNA)