Narcotics Office Seizes Precursor Chemicals in Rayong

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has seized large quantities of chemical substances during an inspection of a factory in Ban Chang district, Rayong province, after discovering failures to report exports of high-risk precursors. Officials said the operation, was aimed at preventing chemicals from being diverted into illicit drug production, with authorities warning the quantities involved posed a serious threat if allowed to circulate.

The inspection followed intelligence indicating irregularities in export reporting by a long-established chemical and machinery supplier operating in the area for more than 30 years. According to investigators, database checks showed that between 2024 and 2025 the company exported sodium carbonate to the Lao PDR on four occasions, totalling more than 3,000 kilograms, without notifying the ONCB as required. Sodium carbonate is classified as a key precursor in the conversion of morphine base into heroin base.

The operation was ordered by Pol Maj Gen Suriyah Singhakomon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, and led on the ground by Mr Khanit Phaophironnon, Director of the ONCB, together with Mr Sarawut Phakdee, Director of ONCB Region 2. Officers worked in coordination with the Rayong Provincial Industry Office and the Naval Special Warfare Command to inspect the factory premises under the authority of the Narcotics Code, NCPO Order No. 32/2016, and relevant Ministry of Justice notifications.

ONCB officials stated that if the 3,000 kilograms of sodium carbonate previously exported without notification had reached drug production sites, it could have been used to manufacture up to 750 kilograms of heroin. They described this as an exceptionally large amount with the potential to cause severe harm. The agency reiterated its “No Chemical No Drugs” policy, which focuses on cutting drug production at the source by strictly controlling precursors and chemicals, even when they are legally used in industry.

During the on-site search, officers seized a total of 1,245 kilograms of chemicals found at the factory. The items included 21 containers of liquid chlorine weighing 420 kilograms, 10 containers of acetone weighing 150 kilograms, and 27 sacks of borax weighing 675 kilograms. These substances are classified as hazardous materials types 1 and 3 and are commonly used in the refining and crystallisation stages of methamphetamine, crystal meth and heroin production.

Thaitabloid reported that authorities found that the chemicals were not properly registered as hazardous substances and that no valid possession licences were in place. As a result, the materials were seized to prevent their distribution into illegal drug manufacturing networks. The ONCB urged all operators nationwide to strictly comply with reporting and control requirements for high-risk chemicals to avoid becoming conduits for drug trafficking.

Key Takeaways

• The ONCB seized 1,245 kilograms of unregistered chemicals from a factory in Rayong.

• Investigators found unreported exports of more than 3,000 kilograms of sodium carbonate to Laos between 2024 and 2025.

• Authorities warned the chemicals could have enabled production of up to 750 kilograms of heroin.

Related Stories

Chemicals-seized-in-Samut-Prakan-to-curb-drug-production

Authorities-seize-22-tonnes-of-acetic-acid-at-Laem-Chabang

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2025-12-21