Phayao Police Seize Five Million Meth Pills in Drug Bust

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Phayao police have dismantled a drug-trafficking network, seizing five million methamphetamine pills in a coordinated operation on 17 November 2025. The raid, carried out by the Provincial Police Investigation Division, uncovered 17 sacks of yaba weighing over 533 kilograms, along with a vehicle and two mobile phones. Officers also arrested one suspect, believed to be part of a wider trafficking network transporting drugs from the border into inner provinces.

The operation followed intelligence gathered by the Phayao Provincial Police Narcotics Suppression Unit, operating under the direction of Pol Maj Gen Pongsawat Chaiban. Senior commanders, including Pol Col Wisit Pluemjai, instructed officers to escalate anti-drug efforts in the province. Acting on these orders, a team led by Pol Lt Col Supharerk Intawong intercepted a suspicious vehicle believed to be carrying a large drug shipment.

Upon inspection, officers discovered sacks containing millions of methamphetamine tablets. The driver, identified as 21-year-old Mr Namchok, also known as Erawan, from Moo 8, Huai Chomphu subdistrict in Chiang Rai’s Muang district, was taken into custody. Police say he was transporting the drugs as part of a larger network operating along border areas known for trafficking activity.

Authorities believe the seized shipment was a major consignment intended for distribution deeper inside the country. According to investigators, the quantity and packaging suggest an organised network with access to significant supply lines. Officers are now attempting to trace the source of the drugs and identify any accomplices linked to the smuggling route.

The case has raised concerns about ongoing trafficking operations through northern border regions, where police continue to conduct intensified surveillance. Experts note that large-scale drug movements often increase during periods of heightened enforcement, reflecting attempts by networks to test police response. The seizure has been described by police as a critical disruption to trafficking activities in the region.

Naewna reported that investigators have confirmed that efforts are underway to expand the inquiry to uncover the full network behind the shipment. Police expect further arrests as they examine communications, vehicle routes and cross-border connections. Authorities say the case remains active as they pursue the upstream suppliers believed to be operating near the border.

Key Takeaways

• Police seized 17 sacks of methamphetamine containing five million pills in Phayao.

• One suspect was arrested, with links suspected to a larger border-based trafficking network.

• Investigators are expanding the probe to identify accomplices and upstream suppliers.

Related Stories

Chiang-Rai-police-seize-6-million-meth-pills-near-crematorium

Massive-drug-bust-in-Ayutthaya-10-million-meth-pills-seized

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-11-18