Pictures courtesy of MGR

 

Authorities in Chiang Rai arrested two suspects from Sukhothai after discovering 51 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine hidden beneath their pickup truck in the early hours of 4 December. The seizure occurred at the Kiw Taph Yang checkpoint in Mae Chan district, where police, paramilitary soldiers and Border Patrol Police officers were conducting overnight inspections along Phaholyothin Road. The immediate impact of the operation was the interception of a large drug shipment allegedly bound for Chiang Rai city and possibly further into the country.

 

The incident followed orders issued by Pol Col Kiattisak Jitprasan, superintendent of Mae Chan Police Station, who directed joint security forces to maintain strict vehicle checks at the checkpoint. At about the same time, a white Nissan Navara pickup with Sukhothai plates approached from Mae Chan heading toward Chiang Rai city. Officers noticed suspicious behavior from the occupants, driver Surasak, 30, from Thung Saliam district and passenger Manatschanok, 34, from Si Satchanalai district, prompting a detailed search after initial checks revealed no contraband inside the cabin or luggage.

 

Security personnel then moved the vehicle to an inspection point to examine its undercarriage. They found tea-style packets stuffed into a steel beam beneath the truck bed, each later confirmed to contain one kilogramme of crystal methamphetamine. The total weight of the narcotics was approximately 54 kilogrammes, leading to the immediate arrest of both suspects and the seizure of the truck.

 

The discovery underscores ongoing concerns among law enforcement agencies regarding drug trafficking routes through northern border provinces. Officials noted the sophisticated concealment method, which required careful inspection to detect, reflecting continued attempts by trafficking networks to evade security operations. The arrest also highlights the importance of coordinated efforts among police, military and Border Patrol units in high-risk transit zones.

 

Mngeronline reported that Iinvestigators have transferred the suspects and the seized drugs to Mae Chan Police Station for further legal processing. Authorities are now working to trace the shipment's origin and possible links to wider trafficking operations. Additional intelligence-led operations are expected as officers pursue leads to identify other individuals involved.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Officers at the Kiw Taph Yang checkpoint seized 54 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine hidden under a pickup truck.

• Two suspects from Sukhothai were arrested after exhibiting suspicious behavior during a routine nighttime inspection.

• Police are expanding the investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the drug shipment.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from  MGRonline  2025-12-06

 

 

 

Always roll down all the windows and look e’m square in the eyes and roll on through…

Wow, this is the first article I can remember where everyone in the vehicle was actually arrested.  They almost always get away!

But it feels like there is more to the story because these checkpoints never even search, let alone do a thorough search after the interior of the vehicle is clear.  There was either a tip off or a tell from the passengers.

I'm curious where that checkpoint is exactly. And yes I also wonder if they had some sort of tip-off.