PATHUM THANI: Forty-three pub-goers tested positive for drugs and more than 50 packs of crystal methamphetamine and other narcotics were seized following a raid on a popular nightspot in Muang district early Saturday.
Authorities raided the May Day pub at around 2am following complaints that illicit drug use was rampant there. Taking part were soldiers, officials from the Department of Provincial Administration and the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection.
About 100 patrons were found inside and most attempted to flee upon seeing officials. Many, including 13 teenagers aged below 20, were rounded up and asked to undergo urine tests. Forty-three tested positive for drug use.
More than 50 small packs of drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, ketamine and ecstasy, were found scattered over the floor and some were hidden in corners inside the venue. Some drugs were found in a pub employee’s vest hanging behind the bar counter.
Alongkorn Khamprathet, 30, the owner of the pub, was arrested and charged with operating the pub without permission, illegal sales of alcohol, selling alcoholic drinks to underage customers and other related offences.
The team that conducted the raid will propose that the Pathum Thani governor close the pub for five years.
One of the 100 detained patrons rests following a raid on a pub in Pathum Thani early Saturday. (Photo by Pongpat Wongyala)