PHUKET — Police arrested a Thai man and a Norwegian woman on drug charges after raiding a luxury villa in Phuket that investigators say was being used as a drug trafficking base.
Wichit police superintendent Pol. Col. Somsak Thonggliang said officers acted on a tip-off about drug activity in Mueang Phuket District and moved in on the villa on Sakdidet Road, where they detained Kanok, 37, a Thai national, and Mette, 54, from Norway.
Officers seized heroin, crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine tablets, along with a digital scale, drug paraphernalia and 100,000 baht ($3,140) in cash. Police said urine tests for both suspects returned positive for heroin and methamphetamine.
Pol. Col. Somsak said the arrest followed weeks of operations targeting small-scale users and dealers, which led investigators to the pair allegedly supplying various drugs to clients in an upscale neighborhood. The seized narcotics included 30.52 grams and 2.26 grams of heroin packaged in zip-lock bags; 0.64 grams of crystal meth; and 44 methamphetamine tablets stamped “WY.”
Both suspects were taken to Wichit Police Station and charged with joint possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, as well as drug use. Mette also faces a charge of overstaying her visa.
Investigators said they are examining the ownership and rental records of the villa as part of the ongoing probe.
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