Chinese fugitive, Korean drug agent arrested in Pattaya
The Immigration Bureau on Thursday announced the arrest of two foreign nationals — a Chinese fugitive and a South Korean drug suspect — during a press briefing.
In the first case, officers from the Chon Buri Immigration Office raided a house in tambon Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district, and apprehended 39-year-old Chinese national Sun Jiangdong.
Mr Sun was wanted under an international arrest warrant for drug trafficking and the illegal distribution of electronic cigarettes. Upon arrival, officers said he attempted to flee by climbing onto the roof but was quickly captured.
Authorities also discovered that Mr Sun had overstayed his visa by more than 15 days. He has since been charged under Thai immigration law and is awaiting deportation.
In a separate case, a joint team of immigration officers and officials from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) arrested 60-year-old South Korean national Sung Kim at an apartment on Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 71 in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung.
Mr Kim was the subject of an Interpol red notice for allegedly masterminding an attempt to smuggle crystal methamphetamine into South Korea. Investigators said he had directed accomplices to hide 180 grammes of the drug in a food container, which was placed on a flight from Thailand to Incheon International Airport.
The attempt was foiled before the drugs reached their destination. Had the smuggling been successful, the drugs could have fetched up to 18 million won on the street, according to officials.
Investigators also found that Mr Kim had overstayed his visa by more than two years.
Both suspects face charges under Thai law and are being processed for deportation to their respective countries.
Their arrests followed a crackdown on foreign criminals in Pattaya, ordered by Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Panumas Boonyaluk and senior officials.
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