Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Bangkok police have seized 800 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in a major operation targeting the “R 1688” drug network. Three suspects were arrested along with firearms, vehicles and cash, after officers discovered the drugs hidden in a hut near a fish pond in Bang Khun Thian district. The haul represents one of the largest recent drug seizures in the capital.

 

The arrests were announced on 17 September at the Metropolitan Police Bureau headquarters. Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, led the briefing alongside senior officers including Pol. Maj. Gen. Phallop Aemla, Pol. Maj. Gen. Manop Sukonthanapat and Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachet Bundit. The suspects were named as Noppadon “Jay” Pinkaeo, 34, Angkarn “Karn” Chingklin, 36 and Samrueng “Jack” Kantsing, 38.

 

Seized evidence included 800 packages of crystal meth, each weighing about one kilogram, making a total of around 800 kilograms. Officers also recovered a .357 handgun with 31 bullets, three vehicles used for transport, cash of 800,000 baht and several other items. The operation took place at a hut across from Soi Bang Kradi 43, Samae Dam subdistrict, where the drugs were concealed in 40 sacks.

 

Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam explained that the operation stemmed from investigations into a large network operating in Rama II area, following an August arrest. Surveillance showed multiple vehicles moving along Rama II Road towards Chai Nat province on 14 September, before returning to Bangkok. Officers tracked the convoy to Bang Khun Thian, where suspicious unloading led to a search and discovery of the drugs.

 

During questioning, Noppadon confessed to ordering the drugs from a northern network and directing transport to the hideout. Angkarn and Samrueng confirmed his role, saying he controlled the logistics while they assisted in delivery and storage. Noppadon added that the code “R 1688” marked packages linked to his group.

 

Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam said further investigation revealed a mastermind based in a neighbouring country directing Noppadon to store the drugs temporarily before distribution. Police believe the consignment was to be kept at the hut for three days before dispatch. Authorities have charged the suspects with possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell, an offence deemed harmful to public safety and state security.

 

The case has now been handed to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further investigation. Officers are pursuing charges of conspiracy and money laundering against the wider network, while the Office of the Narcotics Control Board has been asked to begin asset seizure procedures.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Police in Bangkok seized 800 kilograms of crystal meth hidden in a hut in Bang Khun Thian.

• Three suspects were arrested, with links to the “R 1688” drug network traced to a foreign-based mastermind.

• Investigations are continuing into money laundering and wider network operations.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-09-19

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, that´s great to hear. Know we know somebody is hurting. That was about a value around 120 million baht.