Three Myanmar nationals arrested under immigration law during crackdown on Chinese network in Thailand

Photo – The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Dragon Nest’, was carried out by the CIB’s Crime Suppression Division to dismantle the Grey Dragon network, which had secretly established a base in the hotel. The Nation Thailand Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers raided a luxury hotel in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, arresting three Myanmar nationals for illegally entering and residing in the country, The Nation Thailand reported. The raid, dubbed ‘Operation Dragon Nest’, was conducted by the CIB’s Crime Suppression Division and targeted illegal gambling dens, drug parties, and sex entertainment businesses primarily serving Chinese nationals, authorities said. Investigations revealed that the hotel had been entirely rented out by a Chinese enterprise and used as a base for illegal operations with strict security measures in place. Authorities also stated that the hotel did not accommodate ordinary tourists, with only Chinese nationals frequenting the establishment. During the raid, a 33-year-old Chinese national was arrested on charges of possession and distribution of ketamine, a type of psychotropic drug, with intent to sell. Furthermore, three Myanmar nationals were arrested for violating immigration laws related to illegal entry and employment in Thailand, it was learned. Police revealed that floors two through six of the hotel were used as guest rooms, while the seventh and eighth floors had been converted into venues for drug parties, gambling, and sex entertainment events for Chinese patrons. Over 100 police officers, armed with search warrants from the criminal court, searched the hotel, interrogated over 40 individuals, and seized more than 200 items of evidence. The seized items included ketamine, a drug known as ‘Happy Water’, drug packaging machines, gambling chips, decks of cards, dice, cash, bankbooks, mobile phones, and CCTV recording data. Initial interrogations indicated that the arrested Chinese national denied the drug-related charges, claiming he was merely an employee responsible for delivering ordered items. The three Myanmar nationals admitted to illegally entering Thailand for work, according to authorities.