Report Huge Drug Bust: Malaysian Arrested at Thai Border with Meth

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a dramatic turn of events, a Malaysian national was apprehended at the Huai Kon border checkpoint in Nan province, attempting to smuggle a staggering 72 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine into Thailand. This haul is valued at over ฿90 million, marking a significant drug trafficking incident.

 

The arrest occurred on 14 July when customs officials at the Thung Chang checkpoint grew suspicious of a vehicle emitting copious black smoke. The Lexus, with registration WA 3313 Y from Malaysia, was driven by Surrenthiran Jayabalan. Upon being approached, Jayabalan claimed his car malfunctioned after refuelling with the incorrect petrol in Mueang Ngeun, Laos.

 

Seeking aid at the checkpoint, he bizarrely refused to hand over the keys, arguing the vehicle was locked and needed towing. This refusal, coupled with his frequent border crossings, prompted officials to thoroughly search the vehicle.

 

During the inspection, authorities uncovered methamphetamine ingeniously packed in green tea bags beneath the seats. Further investigation revealed additional narcotics stashed in the spare tyre compartment and underneath the rear seats, culminating in a total discovery of 72 kilogrammes.

 

The vehicle, a rental from Malaysia, had made numerous border transits since April, typically returning on the same day with different individuals behind the wheel. Investigations showed the Lexus entering Thailand via the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla on 11 July, and then crossing into Laos through the Huai Kon checkpoint. A Malaysian man and a Thai woman accompanied Jayabalan in a separate car, but their current location is unknown.

 

Nan's governor, Chainarong Wongyai, remarked this incident is unprecedented for a foreign national at this border. He noted that drug trafficking routes have shifted from the tightly-secured Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to Nan and Loei provinces, where comparative lack of resources presents challenges.

 

This event underscores Nan's role as a potential transit point for drugs headed to third countries. Authorities are now determined to tighten security and implement new strategies to thwart future smuggling attempts. As the province grapples with this escalating threat, enhancing border security is becoming a pressing priority.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-16

 

 

[hotchilli]

Lucky find, his day went from bad to dire...

[wombat]

the number of times that car has crossed multiplied by 72kg aint no 2 bob operation