A NOTORIOUS gangster and a allegedly a longtime drug-dealer in T. Maret on Koh Samui fell in the hands of authorities on Sunday, April 18, during a buy-bust operation set-up against him in his own house. Thani Naruepabenjapol, 44, was arrested by members of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for possession and selling crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride, or Ice, in his house at 113 Moo 4 T. Maret A. Koh Samui, Suratthani.

T. Maret is located southeast of Samui.

Thani was arrested together with a teenager, 18-year-old Muanchol Rattanapansoontra, on the charge of dealing ice, authorities said.

Ice is a street name for crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride. It is a powerful, synthetic stimulant that often appears as transparent and “sheet-like” crystals. Ice is also called “meth”, “crystal meth”, “shabu”, “bato”, and other names.

Police found three bags of “ice” weighing 24 grams, four credit cards issued by different banks, a 9-caliber CZ pistol, ammos, and Bt187,000 cash from Thani and his young partner, Lt. Col. Watcharin Pansuwan, inspector of Sub-division 2 Narcotics Suppression Bureau and team leader of the raiding team said.

There was also a black Toyota Vigo pick-up truck with plate no. 5860, a white and a red Honda Click motorbike with plate no. 839, and a black & white Honda Air-Break motorbike, police added, saying they will try to determine whether or not these items have been obtained by Thani through illegal drug deals.

“We have set up a sting operation to lure Thani, also known as Jao Muang, into a pitfall. Thani is a notorious gangster in Maret district and has been suspected to get involved with the drug dealing business for many years.” Watcharin stated, adding the suspect sells “ice” to teenagers and tourists.

Thani was earlier arrested on charges of illegal drugs and possession of firearm, but he was released on bail, police said.

Authorities have been receiving intelligence that Thani was selling illegal drugs to teenagers but they did not have solid evidence to arrest him, until the buy-bust operation was conducted.