Major Drug Bust in Sakon Nakhon: 500kg Meth Seized

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

In a decisive move under the government's 'Seal Stop Safe' initiative, a major anti-drug operation took place yesterday in Sakon Nakhon province. This significant crackdown, led by Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, saw the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of 500 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, along with assets valued over 100 million baht (approximately 3.75 million Thai Baht).

Key officials, including Police General Kittirat Phanphet and Police Lieutenant Generals Nitinai Langyen and Boonsin Phatklang, spearheaded the operation at the Border Patrol Police Division 23. This decisive action forms part of the 'No Drugs No Dealers' campaign, highlighting the government's zero-tolerance stance on narcotics.

The operation was set into motion following intelligence received on 28 July. The information indicated that a drug trafficking syndicate planned to transport narcotics from Ban Phaeng district in Nakhon Phanom to Sakon Nakhon for further distribution. Promptly acting on this intelligence, a coordinated task force, including the Surasak Montri Task Force and Marine Police Division 10, launched an investigation.

Their efforts led to the discovery of a significant drug cache hidden within a house doubling as a courier service in Ban Phaeng. By 4pm, law enforcement officers had the premises surrounded, catching six individuals red-handed as they transferred suspicious sacks from a pickup truck. Upon inspection, these sacks revealed crystal methamphetamine, colloquially known as 'ice', packed inside 11 fertiliser bags.

The suspects were detained and transported, along with the narcotics, to Border Patrol Police Division 23 for further investigation. Confirming over 500 kilogrammes of meth, charges were swiftly brought against the suspects for possession and intent to distribute a type 1 narcotic, a serious crime posing significant risks to national and public safety.

Sakon Nakhon Governor, Chusak Rooying, underscored the operation's success, attributing it to seamless collaboration between various agencies. He highlighted the importance of integrated efforts in the battle against drug trafficking, emphasising the 'Seal Stop Safe' and 'No Drugs No Dealers' policies as central pillars in this fight. The operation, known as 'Re X-ray', not only aims to catch those dealing in drugs but also seeks to identify users and addicts, reinforcing strong preventive measures.

Governor Rooying commended the dedication and coordination of the teams involved in tracking the suspects across regions, successfully intercepting a potentially devastating drug influx. This operation stands as a testament to the government's commitment to eradicating drug threats and safeguarding the nation's security.

With these reinforced measures, authorities aim to dismantle organised drug networks, ensuring public safety and maintaining confidence in regional security. The Sakon Nakhon operation marks a triumph in the ongoing fight against drugs, reflecting a unified effort to uphold the law and protect communities from the harms of narcotics.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-30