SURAT THANI - A police officer was arrested on Thursday for possession and distribution of crystal methamphetamine, or ya ice, and confessed that at least five more officers were involved.
Police apprehended Niramit Kleebamroong, a squad leader at the Surat Thani police station, and seized 0.5 grammes of crystal meth as evidence.
Investigators searched the room of one of the suspects, Pol Sr Sgt Maj Suriyong Parngaew, and found drug equipment. However, the officer who comes under Police Provincial Region 8, went missing on Wednesday, Yongyuth Charoenwanich, the regional commander, said.
A Surat Thani police lieutenant, whose name has been withheld, and another suspect were forced to take a urine test which turned slightly purple, Pol Lt Gen Yongyuth said. The urine sample was sent to a science lab for further examination.
Pol Lt Gen Yongyuth said Pol Sr Sgt Maj Niramit has been suspended from duty until a verdict is reached. The maximum disciplinary penalty would be dismissal from the force.
He said previously some policemen under his supervision had come under suspicion in narcotic cases.
He said superintendents in charge of a convicted officer would be investigated.