Report Thai Police Uncover 87kg Meth Stash in Canal

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a startling turn of events, a significant cache of crystal methamphetamine was discovered by locals floating in a canal in Samut Songkhram province, prompting a large-scale investigation into the drug network involved.

 

On 18 August, Police Lieutenant Chananthip Ongkhlueab, Deputy Inspector at Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station, was alerted to narcotics in the Lampradong canal, located next to a road in the Mueang district. When officials arrived, they confirmed the presence of 87 kilogrammes of crystal meth, which was promptly recorded as evidence.

 

The initial probe revealed this massive haul belonged to 31-year-old Songpon, wanted under arrest warrants issued on the same day. Songpon's connections in the drug trade have been further cemented by a prior seizure involving 210 kilogrammes of crystal meth and 390 kilogrammes of compressed cannabis in Bangkok. These narcotics, valued at over 81 million baht (approximately 2.9 million Thai Baht), were discovered alongside an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck.

 

The latest stash was found about 2 kilometres from a villa previously raided for drugs. According to police, Songpon confessed to ditching the meth in his panic to escape arrest, but was eventually captured in Bangkok. The confiscated meth has been transported to Amphawa Police Station, increasing the total seized amount to 297 kilogrammes.

 

During interrogations, Songpon and his associate, Panida, admitted to using a private transport app to deliver drugs to southern Thailand. They are now facing charges for possession and intent to sell Type 1 (crystal meth) and Type 5 (cannabis) narcotics for commercial distribution.

 

Authorities have vowed to unravel the drug network further and are examining financial trails to confiscate assets tied to the trade. This discovery highlights the ongoing challenge of drug trafficking in the region and underscores the need for vigilant surveillance and cooperative policing to dismantle such operations.

 

The investigation remains ongoing, with police committed to tracking down every lead to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-19