Atchariya chases up senator case

A complaint has been filed with the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) against a police officer involved in revocating an arrest warrant against a senator accused of being involved with drug trafficking rings.

Atchariya Reuangrattanapong, chairman of the Help Crime Victims Club, yesterday filed the complaint against the officer who is a member of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB).

Mr Atchariya met ACD Subdivision 5 inspector, Pol Maj Gen Jirawat Thongta, at the Central Investigation Office.

He claims there was evidence the officer ordered subordinates at the second subdivision of the MPB’s Investigation Division to stop investigating Senator Upakit Pachariyangkul’s alleged involvement with drug trafficking rings.

He added the subordinates were unfairly relocated from the subdivision for the reason they had not notched up any achievements in the last four months.

Mr Upakit denied he was connected with drug rings. He also denied laundering ill-gotten money through an electricity supply business operating on the Thai-Myanmar border.

Mr Upakit also suggested attempts to link him with Myanmar national Tun Min Latt, who was arrested on a drugrelated charge last year, were part of a conspiracy to bring the case to public attention for political gain.

The senator is understood to be suing Mr Atchariya and some officers for defamation over the accusations.

Mr Atchariya said his club will provide lawyers for the four policemen whom the senator plans to sue. He will meet a prosecutors’ panel tomorrow to provide information about drugrelated financial transactions to support the allegations.