In a lawsuit filed on Thursday, hilltribe man Laota, 76, his wife Asama Sanli, 66, his son Wijarn Sanli, 40, and two others, Rapikan Poppetchalak, 56, and Baramee Barameekuakul, 37, were accused of conspiring to traffic in drugs, selling illicit drugs and possessing guns and ammunition.

It was alleged in the lawsuit that between September 20 and October 11, Laota, Asama and Rapikan sold 994 grams of crystal meth to a police informant for Bt550,000, while Laota, with the help from Wijarn and Baramee in procuring the drugs, sold another 19kg of crystal meth to the informant for Bt11 million.

Laota and the two men were arrested at the delivery point for the second deal – a petrol station in Mae Ai district. Police also found two guns and ammunitions in their possession.

Both Laota and Asama confessed to charges of possessing drugs with intent to sell and selling the illicit drug but denied other charges, whilst Rapikan confessed to all charges. Wijarn confessed to only the gun charge and Baramee denied all charges.

The judge at Ratchadapisek Criminal Court set March 13 for a session to go over evidence in the case.