CIB Arrests Key Member of Southern Meth Trafficking Network

Picture courtesy of CIB

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a major figure in a southern drug trafficking network responsible for guarding methamphetamine storage sites before shipments to the south.

Officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) detained the suspect, identified as Rattaporn, also known as “Maew”, on a road inside a rubber plantation in Moo 4, Khuan Mao Subdistrict, Ratsada District, Trang Province.

Rattaporn faces charges of conspiring to traffic a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to sell without authorisation, an offence deemed by CIB, a serious threat to national security and public safety. The charges also include participation in a conspiracy involving two or more people to commit serious drug offences.

The arrest stems from a September 30, 2024, operation in Prachuap Khiri Khan, in which highway police intercepted a shipment of more than 13 million methamphetamine tablets bound for southern Thailand. Following that seizure, CSD investigators traced the network’s operations.

The group allegedly sourced drugs from northern suppliers and stored them in central-region warehouses, which were guarded by members such as Rattaporn. Drivers from the south would later collect the drugs and transport them to their destinations. Investigations revealed the network had trafficked drugs on at least seven or eight occasions, with an estimated turnover exceeding 200 million baht.

Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of an additional five million meth tablets and the issuing of arrest warrants for members of the network. Police identified Rattaporn as one of three warehouse guards, who also acted as a driver for northern and southern operatives.

After fleeing the warehouse, Rattaporn reportedly hid in Rayong Province, where he was arrested on separate drug possession charges. He was released on bail but later absconded, prompting the Rayong Provincial Court to issue an arrest warrant.

The successful operation was led under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet, Commissioner of the CIB, and Police Major General Witiya Sriprasertphap, Commander of the CSD, with Police Colonel Phattarawut Onchuay, Superintendent of the CSD’s 5th Division, overseeing the arrest.

Rattaporn has been handed over to CSD investigators for legal proceedings.

  Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-08-11