Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Customs officials in Nong Khai have arrested two Thai women for attempting to smuggle 68 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, “ice”, across the Thai–Lao border, into Thailand. The seized drugs, hidden inside a white Toyota car, are estimated to be worth over 20 million baht.

 

The arrests were announced at a press conference held at the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Mueang Nong Khai District at 11.30 on 10 October 2025. The operation was led by provincial governor Somphop Samitasiri, Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Atthachon Chu-ngam, acting Customs Chief Wannana Phuutsah and several senior law enforcement and military officials.

 

The suspects were identified as Ms. Daranee, 34, from Maha Sarakham and Ms. Amornthip, 34, from Nakhon Ratchasima. Officers seized 68 packages of crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 68 kilograms, along with the vehicle used in the smuggling attempt, a white Toyota bearing Bangkok registration.

 

Authorities said the women drove their car out of Thailand to Vientiane, Laos, at around 15:00 on 9 October 2025. They are believed to have collected the drugs there and waited until close to border closing time before attempting to re-enter Thailand. When they arrived at the checkpoint at approximately 21.55, customs officers carried out a routine inspection.

 

Officers noticed irregularities in the car’s rear storage area and decided to scan the vehicle using X-ray equipment. The scan revealed suspicious objects concealed in the rear luggage compartment and beneath the passenger seats. Upon opening the compartments, authorities found multiple parcels wrapped in plastic fish-food bags containing crystal meth.

 

The suspects and the seized items were handed over to investigators at Mueang Nong Khai Police Station for further legal action. Authorities are now expanding the investigation to identify the network behind the smuggling operation and determine whether it is linked to larger transnational drug trafficking groups operating along the Thai–Lao border.

 

Officials praised the coordinated effort between customs officers, border police, military units and narcotics control agencies in preventing the drugs from entering Thailand. The case highlights ongoing concerns over cross-border drug smuggling from Laos into northeastern Thailand, a known trafficking route for methamphetamine and other narcotics.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two Thai women were arrested in Nong Khai for smuggling 68kg of crystal meth worth over 20 million baht.

• The drugs were hidden in a car returning from Vientiane and discovered during an X-ray inspection.

• Authorities are investigating connections to wider drug trafficking networks operating across the Thai–Lao border.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-10-11

 

 

 

 

Stupid - that's their lives fooked

6 minutes ago, JoePai said:

that's their lives fooked

 

Just like many of the meth addicts it would have gone to, and their families.

 

And probably will still go to after the police sell it.