Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a dramatic operation in Thailand’s northeast, police successfully intercepted a large drug shipment, seizing 450 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and arresting three suspected traffickers. The incident unfolded in Nong Khai province, culminating in a high-speed chase in Tha Bo district.

 

The suspects, identified as Prasobsuk, 23, Thongthawat, 28, and Chalanthorn, 20, originated from Khon Kaen. Their apprehension followed an attempt to evade a police checkpoint, leading to the discovery of the meth, commonly referred to as “Ice,” hidden within three vehicles. The haul is estimated to have a street value of over 450 million baht.

 

Police Major General Kittisak Plathong, commander of Border Patrol Police Region 2, reported that the arrests resulted from extensive surveillance and intelligence efforts. “We have been tracking this network for over a year. They regularly rented cars from various outlets to move narcotics undetected,” he noted.

 

Intelligence had identified a large shipment moving from Bueng Kan to Bangkok, utilizing routes through Nong Khai and Khon Kaen. Armed with this information, police strategically positioned themselves along the smuggling path to intercept the vehicles.

 

The operation turned intense when three suspicious vehicles approached the checkpoint and attempted to flee, igniting a high-speed chase. Police were able to intercept the convoy, capturing the three suspects while three accomplices managed to escape and remain at large.

 

In initial interrogations, the suspects reportedly admitted to being promised 300,000 baht for transporting the drugs and receiving ecstasy pills featuring the cartoon character Labubu as part of their payment, according to Pol. Maj. Gen. Kittisak.

 

A press conference in Khon Kaen showcased the seized methamphetamine, underscoring the magnitude of the operation. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to track down the remaining fugitives and aim to dismantle the larger trafficking network behind the illicit shipment.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-02

 

 

Looking at their jeans they really did need the money   🤣