Drug Smuggler Exploits Border Clashes – 5 Million Meth Pills Seized by Army

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A drug trafficking operation was thwarted by military forces amid heightened border tensions, as a man attempted to smuggle over five million methamphetamine tablets from a neighbouring country into Thailand.

On the night of 25 July, troops from the Narcotics Suppression and Interdiction Command of the Surasak Montri Task Force, Second Army Region, apprehended 39-year-old Apisit Trongdee. He was caught with 12 sacks containing approximately 5,056,500 methamphetamine pills, along with 23.2 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a vehicle used for transportation, a firearm and ammunition.

The arrest took place near Ban Hat Hae, Pak Tom Subdistrict, Chiang Khan District, Loei Province, adjacent to the Mekong River. Authorities had received intelligence indicating a cross-border drug shipment was imminent. In response, forces from the Narcotics Suppression Unit 24, Chiang Khan Police Station, Border Patrol Police Company 246 and local administrative officers were mobilised to intercept the suspects.

The accused reportedly confessed that he took advantage of the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, believing military presence along the Thai-Lao frontier would be diminished. His plan was to smuggle the drugs deeper into the country for distribution.

He has been charged with possession of narcotics with intent to distribute and was handed over to the Chiang Khan Police Station for legal proceedings.

This seizure forms part of a wider crackdown under the national anti-drug policy. The Royal Thai Army has been directed to intensify suppression efforts across all regions. Lieutenant General Boonsin Phatklang, Commander of the Second Army Region and head of the narcotics task force (NSU 24), has reiterated the military’s commitment to aggressive anti-drug operations.

This operation underscores the military’s ability to maintain border security and enforce drug control measures even amid geopolitical tensions.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-27