Police have arrested an alleged money launderer for a major drug network run by the notorious "Nu Chen" and impounded assets worth 70 million baht, at his house in central Bangkok.
Samadcha Arkahen, 42, was taken into custody at his house in Suan Luang district of Bangkok on Tuesday, Narcotics Control Board secretary-general Wichai Chaimongkol said on Thursday.
Investigators from Police Provincial Region 6 and narcotics suppression police were also involved.
He said Mr Samadcha was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by Mae Sot Provincial Court on Aug 16 for alleged money laundering.
The arrest followed an extended investigation into the seizure of 1.5 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine at Huai Ra-u in Mae Sot district, Tak, in 2019, Mr Wichai said.
The drugs belonged to Thapanan Thamaratthada, alias Nu Chen.
Investigators later linked Mr Samadcha to the drug network run by Nu Chen and to his woman assistant Lin Chal, 34.
Ms Lin allegedly looked after the money side of the business. Court arrest warrants were obtained for Mr Thapanan and Ms Lin. She was caught but Mr Thapanan remained at large until Tuesday.
The ONCB secretary-general said the arresting team seized 23 million baht and US$10,000 in cash from Mr Samadcha's house, along with 18 kilogrammes of gold bars, two cars and two title deeds, worth about 70 million baht in total.