Chaiyaphum Police Crack Down on Methamphetamine Gang, Seize Over 5 Million Baht in Assets

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Authorities in Chaiyaphum have successfully dismantled an international methamphetamine trafficking ring, seizing large quantities of drugs and firearms, and recovering over 5.4 million baht worth of assets. The operation, part of the ongoing “Phaya Lae City Defence” initiative, involved a coordinated raid across the province.

 

Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Sujarit Panlek, alongside Deputy Chief Pol. Col. Pichit Mee Saeng, oversaw the operation, which targeted a known drug dealer, identified only as Mr. A, aged 28, from Ban Kaeng Subdistrict in Phu Khieo District. Authorities obtained a warrant from the Phu Khieo District Court and raided the premises in Ban Kaeng, discovering 3,781 methamphetamine pills, two handguns, three magazines, and 12 rounds of ammunition.

 

Following the arrest, further investigations revealed a network of trafficking operations linked to neighbouring Laos. The suspect had been buying large quantities of meth from across the border, with prices recently slashed to just 15 baht per pill, cheaper than some snacks. The drugs were being sold locally at 33,000 baht per kilogram, allowing dealers to pocket significant profits.

 

As part of the investigation, police also confiscated a range of assets, including 10 cars worth 4.15 million baht, three motorcycles valued at 800,000 baht, and 484,531 baht in bank deposits, bringing the total value of seized property to over 5.4 million baht.

 

Authorities are now expanding their investigation to track down other members of the drug network. The suspect has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine and conspiring to commit serious drug-related offences. The operation marks a victory in the fight against the increasing methamphetamine trade in Thailand’s northern regions.

 

The police have vowed to continue efforts to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into the country, as investigations into the international trafficking ring continue.

 

-- 2025-03-07