A former Thai rock band singer has been arrested for drug possession following a wider crackdown on drug trafficking networks, police confirmed on Tuesday. The arrest comes after authorities apprehended two suspected drug couriers in China last week, leading to a broader investigation.
According to Pol Lt Gen Phanurat Lakbun, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the case traces back to the detention of two individuals with ties to Thai nationals at Nanjing airport. This led Chinese authorities to issue an arrest warrant on July 22 last year for a 43-year-old Thai woman accused of orchestrating the smuggling operation.
Thai police, working in coordination with China’s National Narcotics Control Commission, apprehended the suspect on March 13 at a condominium in Bangkok’s Ratchada area. Another woman, aged 42, was also detained. The operation resulted in the seizure of multiple narcotics, including crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA, and ecstasy, along with drug production equipment, a motorbike, and 15 bank passbooks.
Authorities reported that the crystal meth had been mixed with edible gold powder and food coloring, marketed as “Golden Powder” or “Pink Golden Powder,” allegedly targeting celebrities and high-profile buyers.
As investigations progressed, officers arrested 47-year-old Patcharapon “Zax” Panpum when he arrived to collect drugs from the suppliers. Patcharapon, once the lead singer of i-Zax, a popular Thai rock band in the early 2000s, now faces charges of drug possession.
Police stated that additional suspects have been identified, and further investigations into the case are ongoing.