Crime Drug Bust in Phayao: Weapons Cache Found at Fugitive’s Hideout Linked to Meth Pills

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of kaoded.

 

Police uncovered a cache of firearms and ammunition during a raid on the property of a suspected drug trafficker in Phayao province, following his escape from a major drug seizure involving 2.4 million methamphetamine pills.

 

Pol Col Chalermchat Yawichai, superintendent of Mueang Phayao Police Station, launched the operation after Border Patrol Police Company 327 intercepted a massive consignment of methamphetamine and reported that one suspect had fled the scene.

 

Acting on this intelligence, Pol Lt Col Ratchaphon Kanrew, deputy superintendent, and Pol Lt Col Chawit Keeratithanakul, chief investigator, led a police investigation team to execute a search warrant at house number 44, Moo 4, Ban Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phayao. The property belongs to Mr Witthaya Prakobsilp, 44, who remains at large.

 

While no illegal items were discovered within the main residence, officers extended their search to a nearby unregistered hut within the same village. Hidden inside fertiliser sacks, officers discovered a cache that included:

 

• Two handmade Thai-style short shotguns with no serial numbers

• 25 rounds of 4mm ammunition

• 7 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition

• 1 round of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition

• A rifle scope

 

All seized items were collected and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. Authorities believe the suspect may be connected to a wider northern drug trafficking network.

 

Police have vowed to intensify efforts to track down Mr Prakobsilp and dismantle any associated networks operating in the region.

 

This operation comes amid growing concern over drug trafficking routes through northern Thailand, particularly in areas bordering neighbouring countries.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-26