Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Authorities have announced breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking in Northern Thailand, seizing more than 8.6 million methamphetamine pills and 450 kilograms of crystal meth (ice) in a series of four high-profile operations. Ten suspects have been arrested in connection with the cases, which spanned the provinces of Phayao, Chiang Rai and Lampang.

 

The operations were part of an integrated campaign led by the Royal Thai Police under the direction of Police General Kittirat Phunpetch, with Provincial Police Region 5 Commander Police Lieutenant General Kritthaphon Yisakorn overseeing the northern efforts. The authorities employed advanced technology, including AI systems for vehicle inspection and X-ray scanners, alongside coordinated checkpoints manned by police, military, and local administrative officers.

 

Case 1 – Mae Ka, Phayao: On 27 July 2025, police at Mae Ka checkpoint intercepted two vehicles following intelligence from the Narcotics Suppression Centre, seizing four million meth pills and arresting three suspects: Mr. Kongkangwan, Mr. Nathjak, and Mr. Anuch.

 

Case 2 – Mae Sai, Chiang Rai: On 27 August, officers acting on a tip-off intercepted a vehicle on Phahonyothin Road, discovering 1.6 million meth pills hidden in sacks. The driver, Mr. Lee Sang, was taken into custody.

 

Case 3 – Sop Prap, Lampang: Following leads from the Mae Ka case, police tracked a convoy comprising a six-wheeled truck and two escort vehicles. On 27 August, two suspects were apprehended at Sop Prap checkpoint with three million meth pills concealed in a secret compartment in the truck. Additional suspects were arrested aboard a train at Phitsanulok station, bringing the total to five detainees.

 

Case 4 – Mae Phrik, Lampang: On 28 August, officers stopped a suspicious car at Mae Phrik checkpoint. Using X-ray scanning, they discovered 450 kilograms of crystal meth hidden in 30 black plastic bags. The driver, Mr. Sitthiphon, was arrested.

 

Police Lieutenant General Kritthaphon stated that the integrated use of AI, X-ray scanners and rigorous checkpoint monitoring across eight northern provinces has allowed authorities to seize six vehicles used by traffickers employing traditional concealment methods. Officials anticipate that traffickers may change tactics and have called for even stricter enforcement.

 

Provincial Police Region 5 emphasised that operations will continue as part of the government’s commitment to preventing illegal drugs from entering other provinces.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-02

 

 

 

These huge seizures make me wonder just how many people are using this dreadful stuff.