A Thai police lieutenant colonel has been arrested for allegedly leaking confidential government information to a drug trafficking network, with officers also discovering 75 methamphetamine pills in his workplace during a follow-up search.
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The arrest was announced on June 28 by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Region 5, which carried out the operation alongside the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Provincial Police Regions 4 and 5, and provincial police in Chiang Rai and Loei. The operation formed part of the government’s “Destroy the Cancer” campaign targeting state officials accused of assisting drug trafficking networks.
According to ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Suriya Singhakamol, the crackdown supports the government’s “Destroy Drugs” policy by taking decisive action against officials who help or support narcotics traffickers.
The investigation stemmed from a major drug seizure on May 17-18 and May 20, 2025, when authorities arrested seven suspects in Phan district, Chiang Rai, and seized 529 kilograms of ketamine destined for shipment to a third country. Assets worth more than 4 million baht were initially frozen.
Investigators later traced financial transactions linked to the network and concluded that members operated with clearly defined roles similar to an organised crime group. Evidence gathered led the court to issue arrest warrants for four additional suspects believed to be senior organisers and supporters.
On August 10, 2025, immigration officers arrested the alleged transport coordinator known as “Jae Meow” while she was entering Thailand. She was described as having close links to the drug owners and financiers, and authorities seized assets worth 10 million baht during that operation.
The investigation later led officers to arrest the police lieutenant colonel at his home in Wang Saphung district, Loei, on June 22, 2026. Authorities allege he passed confidential official information to the drug trafficking network and helped suspects evade prosecution.
Investigators said the officer admitted all charges after being confronted with the evidence. Authorities seized assets worth more than 2 million baht, including cash, gold jewellery, land, a car and firearms.
Khaosod reported that a subsequent search of his workplace uncovered 75 methamphetamine pills hidden inside a desk drawer. Officers have opened a separate criminal case against him for drug possession.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 June 2026