Thai police arrest two Australian men for suspected drug supply
Two Australian men have been arrested in a major drug bust in Thailand that police believe is linked to the Hells Angels and Comanchero bikie gangs.
National
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Two Australian men could face the death penalty in Thailand after a dramatic drug bust that police claim is linked to the Hells Angels and Comanchero bikie gangs.
Jamie Robert Hansom, 46, and Steven Brett Hovi, 58, were two of five people arrested at a house in Pattaya about 5.30pm yesterday, where heavily armed police jumped a compound fence after being tipped off.
Thai police allegedly seized more than a kilogram of ice and guns during the raid, as well as six mobile phones, 12 debit cards, bank books, transfer slips, 12 cash tablets and a grey Toyota Vios sedan.
WATCH THE ARREST FOOTAGE
Police described the arrests as a major move against global cartels during a press conference yesterday, and said they were in pursuit of drug dealers from Hells Angels and Comanchero motorcycle gangs, who were suspected of selling drugs to tourists.
Along with Hansom and Hovi, Nigerian man Chimezie Stanley Duru, 38, and Thai nationals Jiraporn Kiatsutthachit, 35, and Wirapha Ungsri, 34, were arrested in the sting.
The city of Pattaya is located about 100km southeast of the capital of Bangkok.
While the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades did not comment on whether it had been in contact with the men, a spokesman said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stands ready to offer consular assistance, in accordance with the Consular Services Charter, to any Australian citizen, should they request it.”
He added consular assistance included monitoring prisoner welfare, liaising with authorities regarding the wellbeing of Australians arrested overseas, assisting communication with family members and the provision of lists of local lawyers.
Consular staff cannot intervene in legal cases, get Australians out of prison or provide legal advice, the spokesman said.