Picture courtesy of ONCB

 

Authorities have carried out a large-scale operation to dismantle a major drug trafficking network, targeting 30 locations across five provinces. The operation, codenamed “Seal Stop Safe”, resulted in the seizure of assets worth over 118 million baht.

 

The Royal Thai Police, in coordination with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the Border Patrol Police, the military, and local administrative officials, executed raids in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Phayao, and Nong Khai. The primary focus was the “Cowboy Bo Kaeo” network, a major trafficking organisation operating along Thailand’s northern border.

 

Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, who led the operation, stated that the crackdown aimed to disrupt the supply chain of narcotics entering Thailand and to confiscate assets linked to drug trafficking. The initiative is part of the government’s strict anti-narcotics policy, focusing on border security, dismantling trafficking networks, and ensuring safer communities.

 

The operation followed months of intelligence gathering, with law enforcement tracking the syndicate’s financial activities. Investigators discovered that traffickers laundered drug proceeds through real estate businesses, using relatives as nominees to hold assets.

 

Authorities secured nine arrest warrants and apprehended eight suspects linked to the network. The operation led to the seizure of:

 

• 10 houses and plots of land worth approximately 40 million baht

• 18 additional land plots valued at 54 million baht

• A 70-rai longan plantation worth 17.5 million baht

• 11 vehicles worth 6.6 million baht

• 5 motorcycles worth 200,000 baht

 

The total value of confiscated assets stands at approximately 118.3 million baht.

 

The operation was launched following a series of major drug seizures. On 4 December, authorities arrested four suspects in Chachoengsao province, seizing 999 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 1,200 kilograms of ketamine. Another raid on 10 August in Chanthaburi province led to the arrest of 10 suspects and the seizure of 1,500 kilograms of ice.

 

On 21 January 2025, authorities intercepted a shipment of 600 kilograms of ice in 30 sacks. Intelligence from these cases helped investigators map the network’s operations and identify key members.

 

 

Pol. Gen. Prachuap emphasised that the police, in collaboration with military and administrative units, are committed to eradicating drug trafficking. The “Seal Stop Safe” strategy focuses on securing borders, disrupting supply chains, and ensuring public safety.

 

Modern technology, including X-ray vehicle screening at checkpoints, is being deployed to enhance interdiction efforts. Authorities are also intensifying asset seizures to dismantle the financial backbone of major drug networks.

 

The Royal Thai Police affirmed that the fight against narcotics will continue with full force, aiming to eliminate drug-related crime and safeguard communities across the country.

 

-- 2025-02-13

 

And this is really what crack downs are all about...seizure of property!

2 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

And this is really what crack downs are all about...seizure of property!

 

Seems so. That was my thought as well.

It is not until the 5th paragraph that we find out that people were arrested.