SUNGAI GOLOK: Anyone found with more than one drug pill in Thailand will be classified as a dealer or trafficker, and may face detention for up to 84 days (three months).
District police chief Colonel Jedsadavit Ingprapan, confirmed that all six Malaysians — including a female "dikir barat" singer — suspected of possessing 6,000 methamphetamine pills, would undergo the same legal process.
He said that the extended detention period allowed authorities to conduct thorough investigations, review all evidence, and provide suspects the opportunity to present proof of their innocence if applicable.
"Anyone found with more than one drug pill is classified as a dealer, regardless of whether they claim it is for personal use," he said.
"Drug dealers can face prison sentences of over three years or even life, depending on the quantity of drugs involved."
"We will not tolerate drug-related offences. For the six Malaysians involved, they could face over 10 years in prison if convicted. The larger the quantity of drugs seized, the more severe the punishment, including longer sentences," he said in a statement from Pekan Golok yesterday.
Jedsadavit said that the detainees had been cooperative throughout the investigation and understood the discussions, with interpreters provided to assist with communication.
"Many Malaysians detained here are arrested for drug use, not possession, likely because they fear Thailand's stringent drug trafficking laws," he said.
Following this case, police have stepped up operations at entertainment venues to address drug abuse, particularly in Golok.
"In addition to drug-related arrests, other common reasons Malaysians are detained include fighting while intoxicated, illegal entry, or overstaying their permitted time in Thailand," he added.
He advised Malaysians to refrain from engaging in drug abuse and to travel to Golok through legal channels to avoid legal consequences.
On Nov 1, six Malaysians — three men and three women — were arrested in a hotel in Golok.
The raid, which took place at 6am, led to the seizure of 6,000 methamphetamine pills, and urine tests on all the suspects returned positive results for drugs.
All six suspects are currently being held for 84 days at Narathiwat Prison.