Thai-Lao Birthday Drug Party Busted in Mukdahan, 14 Arrested

MUKDAHAN — A joint task force has arrested 14 men and women after raiding a Thai-Lao birthday party where attendees allegedly gathered to consume drugs inside a car repair shop in Mukdahan province. The operation was carried out on July 16 by district officials, together with the “Singh Muang Muk” special operations team, members of Mukdahan Territorial Defence Volunteer Corps (OS) Company 2, intelligence officers from Border Patrol Police Company 234, the Internal Security Operations Command, Surasak Montri Task Force and Mukdahan Immigration Office. The raid followed complaints that a drug-related gathering was taking place in Mueang Mukdahan district. Authorities subsequently launched an operation that resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects, comprising nine men and five women, including four Lao nationals — one man and three women. One of the Lao nationals was found to have overstayed their permitted period of stay in Thailand and faces additional charges under the Immigration Act. Authorities said the operation was launched after receiving information from local informants about a birthday party allegedly involving drug use and excessive noise causing a public nuisance. The gathering was reportedly held at a car repair shop in Ban Kham Phak Nok, Moo 7, Bang Sai Yai subdistrict, Mueang Mukdahan district. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the shop door open and loud music coming from inside. After identifying themselves to the property owner and entering to conduct a search in accordance with legal procedures, officers found a group of men and women who appeared intoxicated and startled by their arrival. Before carrying out the search, officers demonstrated transparency by following required legal procedures. During the inspection, authorities discovered a plastic bag containing ketamine, a Category 2 psychotropic substance, as well as bottles containing a red liquid believed to be “happy water”. A preliminary test detected methamphetamine mixed in the liquid. During questioning, all detainees allegedly admitted that they had gathered to celebrate a birthday and had brought drugs to consume together during the event. Authorities charged one suspect with illegal possession of a Category 2 psychotropic substance (ketamine), with 2.88 grammes of the substance seized as evidence. Another suspect was charged with illegal possession of a Category 1 narcotic after allegedly possessing methamphetamine found mixed in “happy water”. All 14 suspects were charged with illegal drug use involving a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine). One Lao national was additionally charged with overstaying their permitted stay in Thailand under immigration laws. Following the arrest, officers transferred all suspects and seized evidence to investigators at Mueang Mukdahan Police Station for further legal proceedings. The post Thai-Lao birthday drug party busted in Mukdahan, 14 arrested appeared first on Khaosod English.