Executive Summary
- Police raided a luxury villa in Phuket’s Cape Panwa area suspected of being a drug base.
- A Norwegian woman and a Thai man were arrested, and heroin and methamphetamine were seized.
- Both suspects face charges of possession with intent to sell and illicit drug use.
PHUKET — Police in Thailand have arrested a Norwegian national and a local Thai man following a raid on a luxury villa in Phuket suspected of serving as a distribution hub for illicit narcotics.
According to Wichit police superintendent Pol. Col. Somsak Thonggliang, officers executed the operation at a residence on Sakdidet Road in the Cape Panwa area after receiving intelligence regarding drug trafficking activities in Mueang Phuket District. Authorities detained two suspects identified as Kanok, a 37-year-old Thai national, and Mette, a 54-year-old Norwegian citizen.
During the search of the property, investigators reportedly seized a variety of narcotics, including approximately 32.78 grams of heroin, 0.64 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and 44 methamphetamine tablets stamped with the letters "WY." Police also confiscated a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and 100,000 baht ($3,140) in cash. Official reports state that urine tests conducted on both suspects returned positive results for heroin and methamphetamine.
Pol. Col. Somsak stated that the raid was the result of weeks of investigative work targeting street-level dealers, which ultimately led police to the pair. They are alleged to have been supplying drugs to clients within the upscale neighborhood. Both suspects have been charged with joint possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell and illicit drug use. Additionally, immigration authorities noted that Mette faces charges for overstaying her visa.
Investigative Outlook
Law enforcement officials are currently expanding the investigation to trace the financial and logistical background of the operation. Police indicated they are examining ownership and rental records of the villa to determine if other individuals are involved in the network. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
