Over 120 Detained in Thailand Drug Bust: Partygoers Found in Underwear

Police in Thailand detained more than 120 individuals who were found in their underwear at a drug-fueled party in Bangkok, authorities reported on Monday. The operation took place early Sunday morning after officers received a tip-off regarding a “drug party” occurring in a hotel room in central Bangkok.

Details of the Arrests

Police Colonel Pansa Amarapitak revealed that the raid resulted in the arrest of 124 people, most of whom were male and were photographed in handcuffs wearing only underpants as officers conducted searches for illegal substances. During the operation, authorities discovered that 31 of those arrested were in possession of illegal narcotics, including crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, and ketamine.

Pansa noted that all detainees were tested for drug use, with 66 individuals found to have traces of narcotics in their system. Among those arrested, only two were women, and approximately five were identified as foreigners.

Legal Proceedings and Context

The police are currently seeking court permission to extend the questioning of those suspected of drug possession beyond the standard 48-hour detention period. The remaining individuals have been released.

Thailand is recognized as a significant hub for illegal drug trafficking in Southeast Asia, with police raids and seizures of hard narcotics, such as heroin and methamphetamine, being commonplace. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a record 190 tonnes of methamphetamine were seized in East and Southeast Asia last year.

Thailand enforces strict anti-drug laws, with possession of category one drugs, including ecstasy and methamphetamine, potentially resulting in jail sentences of up to 10 years.