Drug Syndicate Busted: Major Haul of Meth & Ketamine Seized

Picture courtesy of Daily News

An eastern Thai drug trafficking network has been brought down following a meticulous investigation that began with the arrest of a suspect carrying just six methamphetamine tablets. The sting has led to the seizure of 115 kilograms of crystal meth and ketamine, with an estimated street value exceeding 20 million baht.

Police Region 2, under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Yingyos Thepjumnong, announced the success of the operation, which targeted the notorious network headed by a suspect known as Tuk Bang Sai. The crackdown was led by Police Colonel Worawut Charoenchon, Deputy Commander of the Region 2 Investigation Division, in coordination with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Region 2.

Armed with court warrants, officers raided four locations in Mueang District, Chonburi Province, believed to be used as drug storage facilities. The operation resulted in the seizure of a combined 115 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine.

Officials warned that had the drugs reached the market, they would have posed significant harm to society, particularly to the youth. Arrest warrants have since been issued for Tuk Bang Sai, described as the ringleader and a central figure in eastern Thailand’s drug trade.

The operation is part of the government’s broader anti-narcotics campaign, “No Drugs, No Dealers”. Police General Yingyos stressed that law enforcement across all units under Region 2 had been ordered to intensify investigations and prosecute drug-related offences without compromise.

The investigation began on 21 July, when Region 2 ONCB officers and Rayong’s Phe Police Station arrested a suspect named Anan in possession of six meth pills. This led to further arrests, including a man known as Boy(real name Sangkhom), found with 104 meth tablets, 67 ecstasy pills and a firearm.

Investigators then detained Aphichai, known as Ae, a dealer in Ban Khai District. He was found with 20,953 meth tablets and 137.98 grams of ketamine. During interrogation, Ae identified Tuk Bang Sai as the mastermind behind drug storage and distribution operations in the eastern region.

This intelligence ultimately led to the coordinated raids in Chonburi and the large drug seizure.

The breakthrough has been credited to the strategic insight and direct involvement of Police Colonel Worawut Charoenchon, praised as a model of modern policing. His detailed analysis, field coordination and leadership were described as instrumental in bringing down the cross-provincial drug network.

Police Region 2 reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating drug crime at every level, from major suppliers to street dealers, while also supporting treatment and rehabilitation for users. Authorities have urged the public to report any drug-related activity to their local police station or via the national hotline at 191.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-08-03