Police Seize 1.7 Tonnes of Meth in Road Tanker

Police seized 1.737 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine and 50 kilograms of ketamine concealed inside a tanker in Phitsanulok province, with the drugs estimated to be worth more than 200 million baht. Three suspects were arrested after officers intercepted the vehicle and an accompanying lead car in Don Thong subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok district, on 29 May at around 6pm.

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The operation was announced on 31 May 2026 by senior police officials including Pol Gen Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Officers from the Metropolitan Police investigation division said the arrests followed an investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in Bangkok.

Investigators had gathered intelligence indicating that a group was transporting large quantities of narcotics from Chiang Rai province to storage locations in Bangkok and surrounding areas before distribution to customers. Police learned that a shipment was due to be moved south on the day of the operation and began surveillance along the In Buri-Chiang Mai Road in Phitsanulok.

Officers identified a suspicious tanker believed to be carrying narcotics, along with a silver vehicle being used as an escort. A search of the tanker uncovered more than one tonne of methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle.

The suspects were identified as 30-year-old Witya, known as Tik, 44-year-old Pongsak, known as Sak, and 38-year-old Anucha, known as Dew. Witya was driving the tanker, while Pongsak and Anucha were travelling in the escort vehicle and were allegedly responsible for guiding the route and monitoring the journey.

According to police, Pongsak admitted collecting the drugs in Chiang Rai for delivery to a major trafficker operating within Provincial Police Region 1. He told investigators the group would receive 600,000 baht for the delivery. Pongsak and Anucha also admitted acting as route scouts and said they were to receive 250,000 baht in cash for the operation. They reportedly told officers they had previously carried out trafficking runs, successfully completing three before being arrested on this occasion.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Police charged the three men with possession of a Category 1 narcotic, methamphetamine, with intent to distribute for commercial purposes, and possession of a Category 2 controlled substance, ketamine, with intent to distribute. Authorities said the offences had the potential to affect public safety and national security.

Khaosod reported thatbthe suspects and seized evidence have been transferred to investigators from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further legal proceedings. Police said the investigation is continuing as officers work to expand the case and identify others connected to the trafficking network.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 1 June 2026