An inside look at a combined police operation aimed at cleaning up a notoriously bad area
We have all seen it on the television news and in newspapers. Swat teams, police and sniffer dogs pour into a slum or underprivileged area and caches of drugs and handcuffed dealers are paraded before the cameras for the nightly news a few hours later and the next morning's papers. But just how effective are these raids and what do they achieve in the overall fight against the illicit drug trade? Last Tuesday, Spectrum was invited to join a city-wide raid on suspected drug hotspots.
Armed with court-issued search warrants, police simultaneously raided 12 locations following weeks of preparation and planning by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Narcotic Suppression Bureau (NSB) and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).
More than 100 police and civilians participated in the raids, together with drug-sniffer dogs and heavily armed officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) unit to provide security.
Spectrum witnessed the raid on the Nual Jit community off Ekamai Soi 30, an area notorious for drug dealers, prostitutes, illegal casinos and petty criminals. But despite the show of manpower and claims by locals that ya ba, or methamphetamine, is sold like ''candy'' to youngsters on a daily basis, no illegal drugs were seized in the raid.
However, three arrests were made. Former muay Thai champion Noppadon Krumtong was charged with possession of an unlicensed handgun after a search of his home. A large wad of cash, understood to total 500,000 baht, was also found in the gun case. He was released on 150,000 baht bail, according to an officer attached to the Klong Tan police station.
Two men were also detained after they tested positive for illicit drugs following on-the-spot urine test. They were sent to a hospital for further examination.
So after a number of recent high-profile raids in which millions of ya ba pills were seized, why was this one a comparative failure? Spectrum spoke to several residents during the raid, who quietly watched on as police went about their business in the narrow lanes.
One female resident said: ''Everyone here knew that the police were coming. That's why not even one ya ba tablet was found. All the drugs were moved out before the police arrived.''
One elderly man said: ''I am disappointed that no drugs were found. You should come here at around 7pm and watch how drugs are sold on the street, right opposite 7-Eleven, especially in the evening and at night. You should come during that time and then you will know what I am talking about.''
He said the drug problem in the area was not confined to local dealers, and some corrupt local policemen were also involved. ''This place is normally full of ya ba, it's sold like candy. It is terrible here. I once contacted one TV channel and asked them to come here so they'd have a scoop.''
He then asked: ''Why did the police come here during the daytime? People sell drugs all over the place, including at restaurants, at night. In fact, drugs have been sold here for decades.''
A taxi-driver who has been living in the community for about 20 years told Spectrum that several people, suspected to be undercover police, attempted to blend in with the locals last week, sitting in restaurants and walking around.
''Everyone knows each other here and if any newcomer shows up, the drug people know and are more careful. There are some people watching for strangers at the mouth of Soi 30. If they see someone who looks suspicious, they will immediately alert the drug dealers,'' he said.
But three women standing opposite a 7-Eleven store were happy that the raid had been conducted.
''This is the first time I have seen police coming here and searching places like that. They should return soon because it will decrease the drug trade which is now enormous. They should continue in order to stop drug dealers poisoning our kids, otherwise even more will become addicted. Usually, only a police patrol will come on a motorcycle, take a quick look and leave.''
A second woman said: ''Even though drugs weren't found this time, the fact that the police actually came here _ and searched the right places _ could reduce this business in the future. They have learned a lesson today and I am sure next time they come they will be better prepared.
''My young son is growing up in this place and he has seen a man crazy on ya ba hack another man's arm off with a huge knife after they had an argument in the street here. This is a tight-knit community and no one wants these drug dealers here, but they are too powerful. Only the authorities can put a stop to their business. We hope the police can back soon.''
Police Major General Uapong Na Nakorn, the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau who took part in the raid, said the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation policy was to clear drugs and weapons from this area and others such as Klong Toey.
He also said it was not important that drugs weren't seized in the raid, but added that the presence of the police would have a positive effect on the community.
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