Chiang Mai police have arrested 11 gang members accused of selling illegal drugs online via social media networks.
Pol Maj Gen Chamnan Ruadrew, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, announced the arrests on Wednesday. He said the 11 drug suspects were aged 18 to 40 years.
Police also seized 680 methamphetamine pills, or yaba, with an estimated street price of 204,000 baht, and a pickup truck.
Officers tracked down drug dealers in communities and schools in Chiang Mai and had found out that there were about 20 drug gangs doing business together using the Facebook website and Line smart phone application.
Some dealers used online gambling games to draw more clients and drugs would be rewarded instead of cash.
"The dealers used government offices or fresh markets to deliver the drugs," Pol Maj Gen Chamnan said.
He said government offices in the northern province had been warned about drug gangs operating in their areas.
"The gangs' operations are very complex and they can get to students and youths in schools and entertainment venues easily," Pol Maj Gen Chamnan said. "I ask parents to help and monitor their children more closely."
Photo by Cheewin Sattha