Soldiers hand over 10 suspects in weapon delivery case to police

BANGKOK, June 9 (TNA) – Soldiers brought 10 suspects in sending grenades and bullets in parcels through a private courier service to the police for the prosecution processes. Among ten suspects, five are soldiers and the rest are civilians. Soldiers earlier detained them for questioning under the Article 44 of the Constitution. Article 44 grants absolute power to Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha in his capacity as the head of the National Council for Peace and Order. It is an absolute authority in ordering and retraining people or performing any act, whether legislative, executive or judicial. The suspects were accused of various offences including duty negligence, corruption and having weapons in their possession with an intention to sell. Pol Col Santi Chainiramai, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division said after receiving ten suspects from the soldiers that the police will take over the case for further investigation and prosecution. The military court issued arrest warrants for 12 suspects for involvement in the delivery of weapons and explosive devices and will expand investigation for more suspects. An explosive Ordnance Disposal squad was called to the Kerry Express branch in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district on June 2 to examine bomb-like objects found in a parcel after the privately owned courier could not find its recipient. At least two parcels contained M67 grenades and bullets. The officials expanded investigation and later found that parcels, containing weapons were sent to 15 provinces. (TNA)