Bangkok: A cunning contractor has been apprehended for breaking into his employer's warehouse and stealing all the belongings to fund a drug habit.

According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) recently arrested a construction worker who took advantage of his employer's distraction to steal tools and sell them for drug money.

The CIB, represented by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), is led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the CIB, along with a team of senior officers including Pol. Maj. Gen. Suwat Saengnum, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sophon Saraphat, and others. The arrest was carried out by the Division 5, Crime Suppression Division, under the leadership of Pol. Lt. Col. Suksit Prasert and his team.

Mr. Winai, also known as Chang Nai, aged 43, faces charges of "jointly committing theft in a dwelling, with two or more persons acting together, by damaging or overcoming obstacles protecting persons or property, or by entering through an opening not intended for entry, or receiving stolen goods." The arrest occurred in front of a rented house in Ban Len Subdistrict, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. On January 28, 2016, while the victim, a contractor from Nong Prue District, Kanchanaburi Province, was away, Mr. Winai and his accomplices broke into the warehouse, stole tools and equipment valued at approximately 200,000 baht, and sold them.

Following the theft, a complaint was lodged with the Nong Prue Police Station, which led to an investigation identifying Mr. Winai and his accomplices as the culprits. Arrest warrants were issued, leading to the capture of Mr. Anont and Mr. Samart, while Mr. Winai remained at large. However, police later discovered Mr. Winai's whereabouts and arrested him as he left his residence with his girlfriend.

A background check revealed Mr. Winai's previous criminal record, including four arrests related to methamphetamine. During questioning, Mr. Winai admitted to the crime, citing financial desperation and the absence of his employer as motivating factors. He acknowledged using the proceeds to buy methamphetamine, highlighting the societal dangers of drug abuse.