Bangkok: Police have submitted case files against “Dr. Air” and his associates to prosecutors on the final day of their detention, sending the case to court today. The Narcotics Suppression Bureau has also issued arrest warrants for nine other doctors, clinic owners, and Dr. Air’s relatives, totaling 11 individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, investigators from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau delivered the investigation report of Police Colonel Dr. Anchulee, also known as “Dr. Air,” and 12 other accomplices to the court. They face charges of conspiracy and joint distribution of the Category 2 psychotropic substance “flunitrazepam,” as well as fraud charges related to the illegal purchasing and use of prescription drugs. The case involves 23 suspects, 12 of whom have been arrested. Arrest warrants have been issued for the remaining 11 individuals, including nine doctors, a relative of Dr. Air, and a clinic owner.
Mr. Pongpichet Chantharapornkit, Director-General of the Office of the Attorney General for Narcotics Cases, confirmed that prosecutors will file charges against “Dr. Air” and 12 others today, the final day of the detention period. He emphasized that the prosecutors have thoroughly reviewed the case file with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau investigators and have requested additional evidence to bolster the case. He expressed confidence that all suspects will be prosecuted.
The charges of conspiracy and joint distribution of “flunitrazepam” carry a penalty of 15 years imprisonment per charge, which is less severe than penalties for Category 1 narcotics. Despite submitting the case file on the last day of detention, Mr. Pongpichet assured that this would not impede the prosecution process. He noted that if the remaining 11 suspects are apprehended, their cases will be combined with the current case file.
Ms. Suphaphon Nipwanich, a specialist prosecutor known as “Attorney Dao,” stated that prosecutors have been diligently reviewing the case file, even during the holidays, to ensure no errors occur that might lead to the suspects’ release.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthaphon Anusit and Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasit Mitphakdee of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau personally submitted the case file. Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthaphon assured that the evidence was thoroughly compiled and that consistent coordination with the public prosecutor had been maintained. He confirmed the completeness and thoroughness of the case file and reiterated that any further investigations requested by the public prosecutor were conducted comprehensively.