'Deputy Jor' and 'Inspector Ja' led the operation using a 'disguised garbage truck' to raid a drug den, arresting 'Bang Dam,' a well-known dealer in the Pravet area, along with his associates. Evidence revealed multiple large shipments of narcotics.
At 07:00 on 8 Oct 2023 GMT+7, Police Chief Somrarn Nualma, Deputy Police Chief Itthipol Acharayapradit, Assistant Police Chief Krisda Kanchanalongkorn, and Metropolitan Police Chief Siam Boonsom ordered Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Theeradej Thamsuthee, responsible for narcotics, to lead officers from the Narcotics Suppression Center of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, in coordination with the Bangkok Narcotics Suppression Office led by Director Prayun Mekanan, and Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, to launch an operation targeting drug networks in Pravet. Using criminal court search warrants, they searched five sites in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, arresting six suspects and identifying nine drug users in the On Nut alley community via X-ray screening.
The key arrest was Sompop Nimlaor, aka 'Bang Dam,' 38, resident of Pravet, Bangkok. He was wanted under Phra Khanong Criminal Court warrant No. J.1001/2569 dated 2 Oct 2023 GMT+7 for jointly distributing category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine, crystal meth or methamphetamine), possessing for sale, which causes illegal spread among the public; jointly possessing controlled substances (ketamine) without permission; and conspiracy with two or more persons to commit serious drug offenses. This followed a prior seizure of 120,000 methamphetamine pills in Pravet.
'Bang Dam' has a criminal record involving seven cases.
1. In 2007, charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale in Pravet Police Station jurisdiction.
2. On 10 Sept 2008, charged with attempted murder by shooting a victim, in Pravet Police Station jurisdiction.
3. In 2009, charged with rape in Phra Khanong Police Station jurisdiction.
4. On 28 July 2009, charged with rape of a non-spouse, unlawful detention, and assault. A female university student reported that while waiting for a bus, Bang Dam offered to ride her on a motorcycle to school but diverted her to a room where he detained, assaulted, and sexually abused her, in Pravet Police Station jurisdiction.
5. On 28 June 2012, charged with possession of category 1 narcotics for sale and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in Pravet Police Station jurisdiction.
6. On 7 Jan 2014, charged with conspiracy to murder by shooting a victim in Pravet Police Station jurisdiction.
7. In 2016, charged with illegal gambling under Pravet Police Station jurisdiction.
Authorities seized 1,644 methamphetamine pills, 63 grams of crystal meth, 2.5 grams of ketamine, five mobile phones (including chat records with a lawyer to silence witnesses), one Toyota car, and five motorcycles.
Following investigations by the Narcotics Suppression Center, authorities uncovered links across multiple cases pointing to the same individual named 'Bang Dam,' though his true identity remained unknown.
Investigators tried to confirm Bang Dam's identity, but key dealers arrested in related cases often displayed fear and refused to cooperate, hindering further arrests. Eventually, authorities confirmed Bang Dam is Sompop, who has at least seven serious prior criminal cases including drugs, firearms, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, and sexual assault of a female student.
Currently, evidence confirms Bang Dam is the head of a drug network in Pravet, systematically directing his subordinates. The main drug distribution center is a community behind a well-known school in On Nut alley. Despite surveillance lasting over two weeks, Bang Dam was not seen, indicating careful counter-surveillance and investigation evasion skills.
The area is densely populated with relatives and acquaintances, creating an environment highly advantageous to the network. Narrow and complex routes made locating Bang Dam especially difficult.
Even when officers covertly entered the area to gather intelligence, word spread quickly via informants. Drug deals were sometimes arranged at abandoned garbage sites, preventing investigations. Therefore, Lieutenant Thanyapharisit Julpipop, Detective Inspector of Division 3, Narcotics Suppression Bureau, known as 'Inspector Ja,' employed covert infiltration strategies, regularly blending into the area until Bang Dam was found. Officers planned for days to develop effective disguise tactics for the mission's success.
Eventually, Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Theeradej Thamsuthee and Director Prayun Mekanan led over 50 officers from the Narcotics Suppression Center and Bangkok Narcotics Office in the 'disguised garbage truck' operation. They executed court-ordered searches at five sites, starting in the On Nut alley community, finding nine drug users and arresting five network suspects: Rot, Thipawan, Bussara, Natthawut, and Patiwat. Evidence linked to Bang Dam was found, but no one could provide his whereabouts.
Investigators received a tip from informants leading to the covert arrest of Sompop, aka Bang Dam, hiding in a rented house in Phraeksa subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Prakan, on 7 Oct 2023 GMT+7. After arrest and further investigation, Bang Dam and five associates were taken to Pravet Police Station for prosecution. The nine drug users were sent to rehabilitation.
During arrest, Bang Dam denied all charges, stating he did not know why he was arrested, denied involvement with drugs, and requested legal counsel.
Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Theeradej Thamsuthee said, "This operation was a joint effort by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Bangkok Narcotics Office, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. It led to crackdowns from street-level dealers up to the network leader. Evidence from ongoing investigations links multiple cases to Bang Dam. Authorities will continue to expand prosecutions to fully dismantle the network and set an example. We aim to assure the public that the Royal Thai Police will enforce strict narcotics control as directed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Citizens with information can report anytime via hotlines 191 or 1386, 24 hours a day."