Metropolitan Police officers rescued a seven-year-old boy yesterday in a raid on a rented house in the Bang Sue area of Bangkok that was being used as a drug den, arresting suspects and seizing illicit substances.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradej Thumsutee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, led the raid on the property in Suwan Dee Soi 3 following complaints that the residence was operating as a dope house, with a young child living inside in unsafe conditions.
Authorities discovered eight people on the premises, including the young boy, his mother, a nanny and five visitors present to use drugs.
Officers seized a quantity of methamphetamine tablets (yaba), crystal methamphetamine (Ice), ketamine and various drug paraphernalia.
Shocked neighbours reported that, while they frequently noticed people coming and going from the residence, they were unaware that it served as a drug den and were distressed to learn that a young child was living in such environment.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradej revealed that the operation was triggered after intelligence was sent by the foundation of activist ‘Gun Jompalang’, which had received a tip-off from a former visitor to the house.
The informant alleged that the boy was living alongside drug users and was even tasked with serving customers who frequented the venue.
Gun Jompalang stated that the informant had previously warned the mother about the unsuitability and danger of the environment for her child, but she ignored the concerns. The foundation then forwarded the details to the Metropolitan Police Bureau to coordinate an urgent intervention.
During initial questioning, the boy's mother partially denied the allegations against her.
Following his rescue, police immediately coordinated with the Department of Children and Youth to get the boy placed under state protection and care.
