Nationwide raids climax international

Gang members had allegedly laundered nearly Bt1 billion in drug proceeds through vehicle accessories and real estate development businesses.

Justice Minister Somsak Kiatsuranont told a press conference yesterday the raids followed the arrest of a Malaysian man, Cho Wan Hoi, who was sentenced to life in jail for drug dealing.

The Narcotics Control Board (NCB) found that Hoi had networked with Singaporeans Wong Hong Hin and Fu Mu Yong in crossborder drug dealing activities, money laundering and soccer betting.

Linked with drug dealers in Europe and Asia, the duo, who had become wanted fugitives, reportedly laundered drug money through various businesses, moving Bt1 billion in and out of their accounts, he said.

Chatchai Suthiklom, an adviser to the NCB, said these members used Thailand as a drop to store the drugs, which they bought from the makers on credit, before deciding where to send them for sale - mostly to Europe, America and Australia.

Wong and Fu used drug money to fund the coverup businesses under their Thai wives' names, he said.

Thai police wanted to prosecute the pair in Thailand and worked with Interpol to find them. They were spotted in several Asian countries and travelled to Thailand four or five months ago.

Houses were searched in Huai Khwang, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, Din Daeng, Wang Thong Lang, Chatuchak, Yan Nawa and Lat Phrao districts. The operation marked the beginning of the 90day drug crackdown policy that officially starts on November 3.

Altogether 160 officials were involved from five agencies - the Narcotics Control Board, AntiMoney Laundering Office, Revenue Department, Department of Special Investigation and the police's Narcotics Suppression Bureau.